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New Mexico State News for Friday April 28, 2017

4/28/2017

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HEALTH OVERHAUL-NEW MEXICO
Study finds health care overhaul would burden New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — An analysis commissioned by the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty tallies the local financial effects of Republican plans to overhaul Medicaid health care.
Released on Thursday, the study found New Mexico state government would be compelled to pay an additional $3 billion from 2020 to 2026 to maintain current levels of Medicaid coverage and services.
New Mexico is one of the 31 states that expanded Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
Under the Republican plan, costs to the state would increase substantially for new expansion patients and those who drop out temporarily.
The analysis from University of New Mexico researcher Kelly O'Donnell says caps on per-capita costs also would burden state finances.
Congressional Republicans hope to vote next week on a revised health care overhaul bill.

BUDGET CRUNCH-TUITION
New Mexico universities seek tuition increases
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Student tuitions are on the rise at one of the nation's most affordable state university systems in response to New Mexico's state budget crisis.
Regents at New Mexico Highlands University were considering Friday a 7.5 percent tuition hike in anticipation of new state funding cuts. Fall tuition increases have been approved at a trio of state universities and a community college in Santa Fe as administrators grapple with major financial uncertainties.
All state spending on institutions of higher education has been vetoed for the coming fiscal year amid an escalating feud between Republican New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez and the Democratic-led Legislature over how to resolve a state budget crisis.
The New Mexico Supreme Court is considering whether to overturn that veto with input from state university presidents.

STATE LAND INCOME
Income dips from New Mexico state trust lands
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico state trust lands generated $399 million in income during the first nine-months of the fiscal year ending in March — a slight decrease from the previous year.
The New Mexico State Land office said Thursday that income predominantly from oil and natural gas royalties and leases fell from $410 million.
New Mexico State Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn says renewed activity in the oil and gas sectors is expected to drive an increase in state income from trust lands by the end of the fiscal year in June. He expects an additional $30 million or more.
The State Land Office oversees 14,000 square miles (36,000 square kilometers) of land and additional underground resources that are used to help fund schools, universities, hospitals and other public institutions.

NEW MEXICO-WISEPIES
New Mexico asks WisePies to give up naming rights to arena
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The University of New Mexico has asked WisePies Pizza & Salad to give up the naming right to the arena of the school's men's and women's basketball teams.
The school said Thursday it recently asked the pizza chain to abandon its naming rights of The Pit pending a new agreement with another company.
School officials say a new agreement will allow for multiple facilities to be named under one umbrella.
WisePies owner Steve Chavez says the company was happy to step aside since it knew how much the move would help the university. He says WisePies enjoyed its partnership with the school, and expects it to continue in a different capacity.
The Pit was renamed WisePies Arena in December 2014, drawing criticism from fans.

BUDGET CRUNCH
Martinez says she will add tax reform to a special session
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez says she will add comprehensive tax reform to a yet-to-be-announced special session aimed at solving the state's budget crisis.
The Republican governor made the announcement Thursday at the 14th Annual New Mexico Tax Research Institute Policy Conference.
Martinez is demanding lawmakers support a more ambitious tax-code overhaul designed to improve the state's business climate by eliminating hundreds of tax breaks, including long-standing exemptions for nonprofit organizations.
She says reforms will help avoid adverse impacts of the boom-bust oil and gas industry.
Similar reforms, which stalled in the Democratic-controlled Legislature this year, would lower standard tax rates on sales and services.
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth says reforms have to broaden the tax base and lower rates, not redistribute taxes from one group to another.

SODA TAX FIGHT
New Mexico delves into soda tax fight
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — It's being pitched as an educational lifeline for impoverished preschool-aged children and condemned as the latest example of local government overreach sweeping progressive cities from coast to coast.
Voters in New Mexico's capital city have until Tuesday to decide whether to levy a new 2-cents-per-ounce tax on sugary soda and other sweetened beverages.
The citywide tax would provide Santa Fe an estimated $7.5 million in its first year to expand early childhood education to roughly 1,000 children whose families cannot afford quality prekindergarten and don't qualify for state programs.
If approved, the proposal would add Santa Fe to the flurry of U.S. cities that have adopted soda taxes since late 2014. Opponents question whether the tax can provide a sustainable source of revenue if it truly discourages consumption of sugary drinks.

ROAD RAGE-ALBUQUERQUE
Man convicted in girl's death pleads guilty to US charges
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A man already sentenced to 16 years in prison in the road-rage death of a 4-year-old Albuquerque girl has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking and firearms charges.
The U.S. Attorney's Office says 33-year-old Tony Derrick Torrez faces a multi-year prison term when sentenced and also will have to forfeit $64,000 in drug proceeds and guns and ammunition seized during the investigation.
Torrez apologized to the family of Lilly Garcia when he was sentenced in state District Court in Albuquerque in December on a second-degree murder conviction in the girl's October 2015 death.
The girl and her older brother were in the backseat of their father's pickup when police say a lane-change dispute on Interstate 40 between the father and Torrez escalated.

DOWNTOWN SANTA FE CONSTRUCTION
Santa Fe company closer to construction near historic chapel
(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico family is closer to beginning construction next to the historic Loretto Chapel in downtown Santa Fe.
The Albuquerque Journal reports the city's Historic Districts Review Board gave conditional approval for Teme LLC's proposed four-story building on Wednesday. The board asked Teme to redesign two portions of the building before it can give the company final approval to begin construction.
A Teme representative says the changes are minor.
Chapel property owner Jim Kirkpatrick and his family have been trying to begin construction on the next door site since 1996. If approved, the proposed building will be designed in the Spanish-Pueblo Revival style. The building would have retail shops on the first floor, residential space on the second and third floors and a penthouse suite on the fourth.

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New Mexico State News for Thursday April 27, 2017

4/27/2017

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SODA TAX FIGHT
New Mexico delves into soda tax fight
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — It's being pitched as an educational lifeline for impoverished preschool-aged children and condemned as the latest example of local government overreach sweeping progressive cities from coast to coast.
Voters in New Mexico's capital city have until Tuesday to decide whether to levy a new 2-cents-per-ounce tax on sugary soda and other sweetened beverages.
The citywide tax would provide Santa Fe an estimated $7.5 million in its first year to expand early childhood education to roughly 1,000 children whose families cannot afford quality prekindergarten and don't qualify for state programs.
If approved, the proposal would add Santa Fe to the flurry of U.S. cities that have adopted soda taxes since late 2014. Opponents question whether the tax can provide a sustainable source of revenue if it truly discourages consumption of sugary drinks.

TRUMP-NATIONAL MONUMENTS-NEW MEXICO
Trump order could scuttle New Mexico land swap
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn says a federal-state land swap could be derailed by an executive order from President Donald Trump to review designations of national monuments by recent presidents.
Dunn said Wednesday that Trump's order could hold back efforts to consolidate federal and state holdings within the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in northern New Mexico.
He says the State Land Office has been negotiating with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to transfer 65 square miles (165 square kilometers) of state-owned land to the federal government in exchange for property elsewhere that can generate lease revenue for the state. The trade also involves the Sabinoso Wilderness Area.
Dunn says the trade could generate about $50,000 in annual state revenues for education.

ALBUQUERQUE SCHOOLS-BUDGET CUTS
APS: Plan being developed to save middle school sports
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Middle school students still will be able to compete in volleyball, basketball and track and field under a plan being developed by Albuquerque Public Schools.
APS officials say the district is working with principals, coaches and community partners on the plan that would keep competitive sports in middle schools for another year.
They say middle schools will continue to offer physical education, intramurals and programs that are funded by grants such as flag football, lunchtime basketball, archery, tennis and soccer.
APS officials had announced April 13 that it had decided to drop its middle school athletics program to save up to $750,000 per year.
They say the district continues to look for ways to address a budget shortfall that's projected to be as much as $26 million next school year.

GATHERING OF NATIONS
Prominent powwow set to begin in wake of pipeline protests
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — One of North America's most prominent powwows is set to begin in New Mexico.
The Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque comes in the wake of pipeline protests in North Dakota that became a historic display of Native American solidarity.
Last year's powwow attracted about 3,000 dancers from hundreds of tribes in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. It routinely draws at least 80,000 visitors.
The event, which opens Thursday, is intended to be nonpolitical, but Larry Yazzie, its official announcer, said people will be reminded why they are coming together, and that the "water protectors" — those who joined the pipeline protests — will be acknowledged.
The Gathering of Nations will be held at Expo New Mexico after the organization parted ways in a public spat with its longtime host — the University of New Mexico and its basketball arena.

ALBUQUERQUE SCHOOLS-TWEETS
Albuquerque school district's 'mistake' retweets attacked
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Political retweets from the official Twitter account of Albuquerque Public Schools are coming under fire from the New Mexico Public Education Department.
The recent retweets that have since been deleted invited residents to a campaign event for a Democratic mayoral candidate, urged residents to oppose the Supreme Court nomination of Neil Gorsuch and called for the support of LGBTQ rights in North Carolina.
Albuquerque Public Schools spokeswoman Monica Armenta says the retweets likely came from her and were "an honest mistake." Armenta says she thought she was retweeting from her personal account and deleted them once she realized the error.
PED spokeswoman Amy Hasenberg says it was disappointing the district would use taxpayer dollars to spread political messages.

WINTER WEATHER-NEW MEXICO
'Significant late season winter storm' to sock New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Spring officially began over a month ago but the National Weather Service says much of New Mexico can expect another strong dose of winter weather this weekend.
A special statement issued Wednesday by the Albuquerque's forecast office says a "significant late season winter storm" will hit northern and central New Mexico late Friday through early Sunday.
Forecasts say impacts of the system will include rain turning to snow Friday night and Saturday morning even in lower elevations, with significant snow accumulation expected in the northern mountains and across northeastern New Mexico.
Accumulating snow is expected along Interstate 25 in northern New Mexico and possibly along Interstate 40 in eastern New Mexico.
To cap it off, a late-season freeze is forecast Saturday night and Sunday morning at some lower-elevation locations.

ALBUQUERQUE-FEWER PROSECUTIONS
Albuquerque prosecutor: Fewer criminal cases to go to court
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Albuquerque area's chief prosecutor says his office is going to focus on the worst offenders and only try about half the criminal cases referred by law enforcement.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that the approach announced Wednesday by District Attorney Raul Torrez will significantly reduce the number of criminal cases sent to Bernalillo County criminal courts.
Torrez says the office in recent years has tried to prosecute three-quarters of the cases referred by law enforcement and only got convictions in 44 percent.
Torrez says his office will try to prosecute the most dangerous offenders and try to put many other defendants into drug treatment or diversion programs.
According to Torrez, the office's poor conviction rate has allowed violent offenders to avoid lengthy prison sentences and commit additional crimes.

MAN KILLS WIFE
New Mexico man tells police voices told him to kill wife
(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
PLACITAS, N.M. (AP) — A mentally ill New Mexico man says he hit his 76-year-old wife in the head with a rock until he was sure she was dead because voices told him to kill her.
The Albuquerque Journal reports 72-year-old Thomas Goodridge called police Saturday and confessed he had killed his wife, Anna Goodridge.
Thomas Goodridge has been arrested and charged with murder.
He suffers from bipolar disorder, but says he took his medication the night he killed his wife.
He told police that voices said he had to kill his wife if he did not want her to be harmed.
His bond has been set at $500,000 cash only.

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New Mexico State News for Wednesday April 26, 2017

4/26/2017

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TV-THE NIGHT SHIFT
Hospital drama returns to New Mexico for fourth season
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — NBC's hospital drama "The Night Shift" will be returning to New Mexico to film its fourth season.
The New Mexico Film Office made the announcement this week.
Film Office Director Nick Maniatis says principal photography will begin this month in Albuquerque and will continue through July.
The production will take place at Albuquerque Studios.
Set in San Antonio and filmed in Albuquerque, the drama stars Dublin-born Eoin Macken, who plays Dr. TC Callahan, as he tries to run a red-eye emergency room in a largely Mexican-American city.
The production is expected to employ about 350 New Mexico crew members and about 2,500 background talent.

BANK ROBBERY PLEA
Albuquerque man pleads guilty to armed bank robbery charge
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say an Albuquerque man has pleaded guilty to an armed bank robbery charge.
Prosecutors say 22-year-old Isaiah Gallegos entered his plea Tuesday in federal court.
Gallegos was arrested last year on a criminal complaint.
He and four co-defendants were accused of robbing a US Bank branch on March 30, 2016.
Three of the men remained in a vehicle while the fourth entered the bank, threatened to shoot the bank employees and demanded that two bank tellers place cash into a plastic bag.
Gallegos says he acted as lookout while his co-defendants robbed the bank.
Prosecutors say Gallegos faces a sentence of up to 25 years in federal prison.
He remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing.

WOMAN PUSHED FROM MOVING CAR
Las Cruces man accused of pushing his wife out of moving car
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Police in Las Cruces have arrested a man accused of pushing his wife from a moving vehicle.
They say 53-year-old Horacio Moreno is facing charges of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm and battery against a household member.
It was unclear Tuesday if he has a lawyer yet.
Police were dispatched Saturday night about an injured person and arrived to find a 37-year-old woman unresponsive with visible injuries to her face and body.
She was rushed to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police say the woman was with friends at a home when her husband arrived and picked her up.
The woman says Moreno was armed with a handgun and as the vehicle approached an intersection, Moreno allegedly punched her in the face and pushed her out the passenger door.

SODA TAX-THE LATEST
The Latest: Soda-tax backers outspend beverage industry
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Proponents of a tax on sugary sodas in Santa Fe, New Mexico, are raising and spending more in political contributions than opponents in efforts to sway the outcome of a city ballot initiative.
A political committee supported by the lobbying arm of the soft-drink industry reported in financial disclosures Tuesday that it has received about $1.2 million in cash and in-kind contributions. The Better Way for Santa Fe and Pre-K committee spent most the money in efforts to defeat the tax initiative.
A political committee backed by New York billionaire Michael Bloomberg that favors the tax has received nearly $1.5 million in cash and in-kind contributions to promote the tax. The committee earlier said it was being outspent by the soft-drink industry, but campaign filings show that no longer appears to be the case.
Voters in New Mexico's capital city have until May 2 to decide whether to levy a new 2-cents-per-ounce tax on sugary drinks to expand prekindergarten programs.

ENDANGERED WOLVES-LAWSUIT
Court removes obstacle to releasing wolves in New Mexico
DENVER (AP) — A court has removed one obstacle to the federal government's plan to release more endangered wolves in New Mexico over the state's objections, but it wasn't immediately clear whether or when additional releases would occur.
A Denver-based federal appeals court on Tuesday lifted a preliminary injunction that prevented the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from releasing more Mexican gray wolves after New Mexico refused to agree to the plan.
State and federal officials had no immediate comment Tuesday.
New Mexico could ask the appeals court to reconsider or ask the Supreme Court to hear the case.
Even with the injunction lifted, it wasn't immediately known whether wolf releases would continue under President Donald Trump, who has slowed or reversed other environmental initiatives.

TRUMP-NATIONAL MONUMENTS
Trump wants a review of national monuments
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is asking for a review of the designation of tens of millions of acres of land as "national monuments." He will sign an executive order Wednesday tasking his interior secretary with leading that review.
The action could upend protections put in place in Utah and other states as Trump tries to rack up accomplishments in his first 100 days. The order comes as Trump tries build on the presidential acumen he's established early on at the White House.
The Antiquities Act of 1906 authorizes the president to declare federal lands as monuments and restrict how the lands can be used.
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke told reporters about the move at the White House Tuesday evening.

BUDGET CRISIS
Attorney sidelined in New Mexico state budget standoff
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The lead attorney for the New Mexico Legislature in a legal challenge of major budget vetoes by Gov. Susana Martinez has withdrawn from the case at the urging of a state agency.
Attorney Thomas Hnasko notified the Supreme Court of his withdrawal from efforts to block vetoes by the governor that would defund the legislative branch and all state institutions of higher education. He declined further comment Tuesday.
In court filings, Hnasko says the New Mexico Risk Management Division requested he leave the case based on a "perceived conflict of interest." The private law firm where Hnasko works is contracted as defense counsel by the agency.
Leading Democratic lawmakers say there was no conflict of interest and that the Martinez administration is attempting to delay action by the Supreme Court.

NMSU-FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
NMSU eyes $125 million fundraising campaign amid uncertainty
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State University has launched an ambitious campaign to raise $125 million amid uncertainty with state funding.
The southern New Mexico college is set to hold "an energized event" on Friday to unveil the campaign's theme and to announce a new gift to the university. Country music star Bri Bagwell is scheduled to perform at the event.
Officials say the campaign, which extends through 2019, aims to create $50 million in new scholarship endowments.
Last month, New Mexico State University Chancellor Garrey Carruthers announced that the university is considering merging colleges and cutting programs amid ongoing state budget cuts.
New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez vetoed the state's entire higher education budget. A special session will now be held for lawmakers to determine funding for colleges and universities.

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New Mexico State News for Tuesday April 25, 2017

4/25/2017

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ESCORTING IMMIGRANTS
Volunteers accompany US immigrants to court to allay fears
NEW YORK (AP) — Volunteers are stepping up to accompany people living in the United States illegally to court hearings and meetings with immigration officials.
The goal is to guide them through what's often an intimidating process.
Some of the volunteers say the accompaniment is more important now than ever since Republican President Donald Trump has expanded the definition of deportable offenses. And reports have surfaced of immigrants being apprehended during routine check-ins with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Trump says the deportations are necessary to keep the United States safe.
In New York, the nonprofit New Sanctuary Coalition had one of its volunteers with a Colombian immigrant last month when he was arrested during his check-in.
The group helped publicize the arrest. The man was released two weeks later after his lawyer requested a stay of the order of deportation.

BUDGET CRISIS-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico Supreme Court agrees to hear state budget dispute
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court has agreed to hear a lawsuit by the state Legislature that accuses Republican Gov. Susana Martinez of overstepping her authority by vetoing funding to the state Legislature and all state universities and colleges.
The court on Monday ordered the governor to respond to a lawsuit from the Democratic-led Legislature. The order schedules oral arguments for May 15 in the feud over state budget shortfalls and proposed tax increases.
Lawmakers have sent Martinez a $6.1 billion budget package that would slightly boost spending and included several tax increases — tax hikes that Martinez rejected.
The governor wants lawmakers to return for a special session to revise the budget for the coming fiscal year. The Supreme Court also is asking university presidents to submit court briefings.

IMMIGRANT DRIVER'S LICENSES
Federal law prompts spike in New Mexico name change requests
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Since New Mexico began complying with tougher federal identification requirements, hundreds of state residents have legally changed their names or amended their birth certificates to prove their identities.
New Mexico started issuing new licenses last year that meet federal REAL ID Act requirements. The state also offers driving authorization cards to residents who don't have the identity documents needed for a new license, including immigrants in the country illegally.
Residents have been petitioning to get their name changed because the spelling of their name or the name they go by is not consistent on all documents required to obtain a license.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports about 1,400 state residents filed name-change requests between Jan. 1 and April 11. That compares to about 1,700 people for all of 2016.

MARTINEZ-APPOINTMENTS-DIVERSITY
New Mexico Democrat attacked for stalling Latino appointment
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico Democratic senator, who decried the lack of diversity on state college boards, is facing scrutiny for stalling a popular Hispanic business leader's nomination.
The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce is seeking answers from Sen. Linda Lopez on why she failed to hold a confirmation hearing for its outgoing president and CEO, Alex Romero.
In February, Republican Gov. Susana Martinez nominated Romero to the University of New Mexico's Board of Regents. But Romero's nomination was held up by the Senate Rules Committee — a panel Lopez chairs. It was one of many Martinez appointments that did not get a hearing last session.
The Albuquerque Democrat later said New Mexico lacked diversity on colleges' boards of regents.
Lopez did not immediately return a phone call from The Associated Press.

PUEBLO-GAMING COMPACT
Judge sides with New Mexico in dispute over gaming compact
(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A federal appeals court has rejected an appeal by the U.S. Department of the Interior and Pojoaque (poh-WAH'-kay) Pueblo in a dispute over a gaming compact with New Mexico.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reported Sunday that the court blocked the department from taking any action in the dispute, which is between the pueblo and New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez's administration.
The two parties disagree about the amount of money the tribe should have to hand over to the state from its gambling operations.
The pueblo has been operating Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino and other operations without a compact with the state since a previous compact expired in June 2015. The tribe hasn't reached a new deal with the state because it disagrees with the revenue-sharing requirement.

ROAD RAGE-ARREST
69-year-old accused of ramming truck in road rage incident
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Dona Ana County authorities say a 69-year-old Las Cruces-area man has been arrested in a road rage incident in which another driver's truck was rammed.
The Sheriff's Department says Robert Quigley was arrested Friday after deputies responded to calls from Quigley and the other driver.
According to the Sheriff's Department, Quigley said he was struck in the face and a man and his passenger said they'd been involved in a hit-and-run in which they were run off the road by a driver who then drove by them again and struck a side door of their truck.
Quigley remained jailed Monday on suspicion of criminal damage, aggravated battery and other crimes. It could not be immediately determined whether he has an attorney who could comment on the allegations.

BC-NM-ALBUQUERQUE-OFFICER SHOT-SENTENCING
Man charged in officer's death sentenced in gun, heroin case
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A man awaiting trial in state court in the 2015 fatal shooting of an Albuquerque police officer and already sentenced to 20 years in prison on federal weapons convictions now faces even more time behind bars.
A federal judge on Monday sentenced Davon Lymon to 18 years in prison to be served consecutively to the 20-year-old sentence that Lymon received April 5.
The latest sentence comes on heroin trafficking and firearms convictions. The previous federal sentence was for convictions for possession of a stolen gun and being felon in possession of firearms.
A grand jury in December indicted Lymon on murder and other charges in the fatal shooting of Officer Daniel Webster during a traffic stop in Oct. 21, 2015.
Lymon has pleaded not guilty in the murder case.

STUDENT LOANS-ATTORNEYS GENERAL
Attorneys general: Restore guidance to aid student borrowers
BOSTON (AP) — Attorneys general from 20 states and the District of Columbia are faulting Education Secretary Betsy DeVos for rolling back Obama-era guidance they say is helping protect student loan borrowers.
In a letter sent Monday, Democratic attorneys general Maura Healey of Massachusetts and Lisa Madigan of Illinois called on DeVos to restore the memos instituted by the federal Education Department last year under President Barack Obama.
The attorneys general said the guidance is designed to help borrowers get accurate information about their loans and repayment options — ensuring the consistency of service provided by student loan servicers and increasing accountability.
The letter was co-signed by attorneys general of California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.

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State News from New Mexico on Monday April 24, 2017

4/24/2017

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LAS CRUCES FATAL SHOOTING-ARREST
Las Cruces police arrest suspect in a fatal shooting case
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say a suspect in a fatal shooting in Las Cruces is in custody.
Las Cruces police say 21-year-old Joel Arciniega-Saenz is facing a charge of an open count of murder.
Saenz has been booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center. He's being held without bond in connection with Saturday morning's shooting death of 21-year-old Benjamin Montoya.
Officers dispatched to a reported shooting found Montoya suffering from at least one gunshot wound to the chest.
Police say Montoya was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Investigators say Montoya and his girlfriend were at Saenz's apartment when they began to argue with each other and then went outside.
A witness says Saenz and the woman were later seen standing over Montoya's body in the parking lot.

TEEN WITH MACHETE-ARREST
Police arrest teen who threatened Albuquerque store workers
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A teenager has been arrested for allegedly threatening employees of an Albuquerque supermarket with a machete and punching one of them.
Albuquerque police say the 15-year-old boy was taken into custody on Saturday night.
The Associated Press is not releasing his name because he's a juvenile.
Police say the teen is charged with assault with intent to commit a violent felony and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the incident Monday at an Albertson's store.
They say he's also charged with auto burglary, possession of burglary tools and conspiracy to commit auto burglary.
Police say those charges stem from a March 21 incident when three juveniles allegedly tried to break into an Albuquerque Police Department cruiser.

MEOW WOLF EXPANSION
Arts collective to expand, buys Santa Fe Caterpillar plant
(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A former plant owned by a mining and construction equipment company in Santa Fe will become the new site of Meow Wolf's creative exhibits as the arts production business expands nationally.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reported Thursday that Meow Wolf purchased the former Caterpillar facility where workers assembled engine components up until the plant's closure last year. The space will now become a fabrication, welding, wood shop, art, design and manufacturing facility.
Meow Wolf co-founder Vince Kadlubek says the 52,000-square-foot building will allow the arts collective to grow and build its brand outside New Mexico.
The first project will be a mobile traveling exhibit, followed by a second permanent display in Denver or Austin.
Kadlubek says Meow Wolf plans to invest $750,000 on machinery and have about 70 workers in the manufacturing facility.

SHAKEN BABY ARREST
Albuquerque man accused of shaking his 3-month-old
(Information from: KOB-TV, http://www.kob.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Bond has been set at $100,000 for an Albuquerque man father accused of shaking his baby boy.
According to court documents, Anthony Serna told police he was playing with the 3-month-old when his eyes rolled back and mucus started coming out of the child's mouth.
Serna says he tried to wake the baby by shaking him for 10 seconds.
That's when the boy's body stiffened up, so he put him down and called 911.
KOB-TV reports doctors at University of New Mexico Hospital told police the child had multiple brain bleeds, bruises on his head and face, a tear in his mouth and a big bruise on his lower back.
Police say Serna was arrested for alleged child abuse because the injuries did not match his story.

MISSING AUTISTIC BOY
Missing 12-year-old Albuquerque boy with autism is found OK
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say a 12-year-old Albuquerque boy with autism who went missing earlier this week is safe and is being reunited with his family.
They say Xander Mares went missing Tuesday night.
Bernalillo County Sheriff's deputies made contact with the boy Friday afternoon and confirmed he's physically OK.
The boy's father told KOB-TV that his son was being bullied at school and got into a fight Tuesday and was then suspended for three days.
James Mares says he thinks his son decided to run away from home because he got embarrassed.

POLICE CRUISER-CRASH
Police trying to ID suspect in store incident before crash
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque police are trying to identify a machete-wielding man who punched a supermarket employee in an incident that led to a serious collision involving a family and an officer hurrying to the store last Monday evening.
Police described the suspect as African American, about 18 years old, 5-foot-6 with a medium build and said he was wearing a red shirt, jeans and carrying a gray and black backpack.
Police said the suspect charged and punched an Albertsons employee after yelling at the employee and a security guard.
The responding officer's vehicle collided with the family's SUV at an intersection, injuring the officer, the mother and her two children.
Authorities on Friday confirmed that woman's 6-year-old son died after his family decided Thursday night to remove him from life support.

KILLED BY OWN CAR
Police: Woman killed by own car in apparent accident
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Las Cruces police say a 62-year-old woman is dead after being struck and pinned under her own car in what appears to be an accident.
Police say investigators believe Jill Thompson mistakenly started the car while the automatic transmission was in reverse instead of park and that she then was struck as the car drove in reverse while she was opening gates at the end of the driveway Thursday.
According to police, investigators placed the car's transmission in reverse and turned on the ignition, which started the car.
A relative found Thompson under the car after becoming concerned when she heard the car's engine running.

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New Mexico State News for Sunday April 23, 2017

4/23/2017

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MISSING AUTISTIC BOY
Missing 12-year-old Albuquerque boy with autism is found OK 
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say a 12-year-old Albuquerque boy with autism who went missing earlier this week is safe and is being reunited with his family.
They say Xander Mares went missing Tuesday night.
Bernalillo County Sheriff's deputies made contact with the boy Friday afternoon and confirmed he's physically OK.
The boy's father told KOB-TV that his son was being bullied at school and got into a fight Tuesday and was then suspended for three days.
James Mares says he thinks his son decided to run away from home because he got embarrassed.


BEATING DEATH-TEENS ARRESTED
Teenagers arrested in beating death of Torrance County woman
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Two teenage boys have been arrested in the beating death of a 62-year-old woman during a burglary in Torrance County.
Court documents indicate the youths ages 16 and 17 were arrested in the April 6 killing of Deborah "Debbie" Michele Zeutzius of Edgewood.
Her husband found her dead in a backyard workshop after returning to their home and finding it had been ransacked and her car missing.
According to court documents, the youths face charges of first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, larceny of a firearm and other crimes.
The youths could be sentenced to life in prison if tried and convicted as adults. Online court records don't indicate whether they have attorneys who could comment on the allegations.
The Associated Press doesn't generally publish the names of juveniles accused of crimes.


TRAILER PARK CRASHES
Officials: Woman accused of DWI after crashing car 3 times
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Dona Ana County authorities say a 50-year-old woman on probation for aggravated DWI was arrested on suspicion of again committing that crime while crashing her car several times in her trailer park.
The Sheriff's Department says deputies arrested Diane Tarr late Friday after she returned from a fast-food run.
According to the department, neighbors reported seeing Tarr crash her vehicle into a gas line, a water line and another vehicle. No injuries were reported.
Records indicated Tarr remained jailed after being booked Friday night without bond pending arraignment on charges of aggravated DWI, driving with a suspended license and probation violation.
Online court records don't show that she has an attorney who could comment on the allegations.

POLICE CRUISER-CRASH
Police trying to ID suspect in store incident before crash
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque police are trying to identify a machete-wielding man who punched a supermarket employee in an incident that led to a serious collision involving a family and an officer hurrying to the store last Monday evening.
Police described the suspect as African American, about 18 years old, 5-foot-6 with a medium build and said he was wearing a red shirt, jeans and carrying a gray and black backpack.
Police said the suspect charged and punched an Albertsons employee after yelling at the employee and a security guard.
The responding officer's vehicle collided with the family's SUV at an intersection, injuring the officer, the mother and her two children.
Authorities on Friday confirmed that woman's 6-year-old son died after his family decided Thursday night to remove him from life support.

​
KILLED BY OWN CAR
Police: Woman killed by own car in apparent accident
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Las Cruces police say a 62-year-old woman is dead after being struck and pinned under her own car in what appears to be an accident.
Police say investigators believe Jill Thompson mistakenly started the car while the automatic transmission was in reverse instead of park and that she then was struck as the car drove in reverse while she was opening gates at the end of the driveway Thursday.
According to police, investigators placed the car's transmission in reverse and turned on the ignition, which started the car.
A relative found Thompson under the car after becoming concerned when she heard the car's engine running.


JUNIOR ENTREPRENEURS
Young entrepreneurs launch their own startups in Las Cruces
(Information from: Las Cruces Sun-News, http://www.lcsun-news.com)
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — A new group of entrepreneurs has emerged in the Las Cruces business scene, and they're too young to drive themselves to the office.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reports the roughly 40 junior executives from the Acton Academy and other city schools will be participating in a nationwide Children's Business Fair on Saturday during the downtown Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market.
The students, ages 6 to 14, will be introducing various projects for sale, which include arts and crafts, spa services, custom-crafted woodwork, jewelry and other items.
One of the founders of Acton's Las Cruces school, Anna Biad, says the goal was for students to work on the projects independently to learn the challenges of developing their own startup business.

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New Mexico State News for Saturday April 22, 2017

4/22/2017

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BUDGET CRISIS-NEW MEXICO-THE LATEST
The Latest: New Mexico governor won't be bullied by lawsuit
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez says lawmakers are suing her because they want to raise taxes and that she won't back down.
Martinez spokesman Michael Lonergan said Friday the Legislature is attempting to bully the Republican governor and avoid compromise in a standoff over the state's financial crisis.
Lawmakers are asking the New Mexico Supreme Court to rescind the governor's line-item budget vetoes that effectively eliminate the Legislature by canceling its funding in the coming fiscal year. Lawmakers say the governor also overstepped her authority in vetoing all funding for institutions of higher education.
Martinez says the vetoes were within her authority as governor and necessary to avoid a deficit.

MDC ADMINISTRATOR
​MDC looking for permanent jail administrator in Albuquerque 
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Bernalillo County is looking for a permanent jail chief to run the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque.
The man hired for the job last summer backed out at the last minute and the Metropolitan Detention Center has been under the temporary leadership of Tom Ruiz.
Bernalillo County says it has successfully reduced inmate population and is improving medical care, overhauling mental health services and increasing staff and inmate safety.
MDC has had issues with jail conditions that led to a settlement after a years-long federal lawsuit. The Bernalillo County Correction's Officer Association recently announced a no-confidence vote in Ruiz, saying officers had no faith in his leadership. The county has defended Ruiz and credited him with many jail improvements.

NM PASSPORTS
USPS to hold New Mexico fairs for fast passport access 
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Postal Service is hosting passport fairs around New Mexico over the next two weekends to speed up the process for customers looking to get them.
USPS says it'll hold two fairs at Albuquerque's main post office on Broadway Boulevard NE and at the Roswell post office on Pennsylvania Avenue on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Another two fairs will be at the Aztec post office and at the Farmington one on April 28 and 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The postal service says the fairs make the passport process fast and convenient for customers who can't make appointments.
A passport book for adults costs $135 while one for children under age 16 costs $105.

ABQ BUSINESS LOANS
ABQ partners with nonprofit for business loans 
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The city of Albuquerque has partnered with a nonprofit to introduce a financial assistance program for small and local businesses along Central Avenue.
The program is called Central Loan Fund and it currently has $700,000 in donations. The fund will give low-interest loans of up to $15,000 for businesses who qualify.
If recipients of the loans meet certain conditions, their loans could be forgiven.
The city says the program hopes to meet the growing needs of Central Avenue's most vulnerable businesses impacted by the construction of a public transit project.
Business owners who get the loans can use them to pay for basic expenses, payroll, inventory, rent, utilities, taxes, marketing and insurance.

VETERANS AFFAIRS
VA makes curbing veteran suicides a top priority
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — U.S. Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Scott Blackburn says a top priority of the agency is to find ways to curb suicides among veterans and boost access to mental health care.
Blackburn visited with patients, doctors and administrators at the VA hospital in Albuquerque on Friday. Staffing shortages were among the concerns raised.
Blackburn, an Army veteran, said it's unacceptable that about 20 veterans a day commit suicide. Of those, data shows about six receive care through the VA system and only half of them see a mental health provider.
Administrators acknowledged that recruiting psychiatrists has been a challenge in New Mexico but that the shortage extends beyond the VA system.
Hospital officials said New Mexico currently has a shortage of about 130 psychiatrists and is in need of dozens of primary care physicians.

NATIVE AMERICAN VOTERS
Secretary of State announces Native American voting group
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver announced Friday that she's creating a taskforce focused on increasing voter registration and turnout in tribal communities.
Toulouse Oliver says the Native American Voting Taskforce will include members from the Navajo Nation, Jicarilla Apache Nation, Mescalero Apache tribe and Fort Sill Apache tribe, among others.
It will be tasked with analyzing tribal community needs and ways that Native Americans can be better informed about elections. The goal is to increase voter education and turnout in Native communities.
Toulouse Oliver says Native precincts have the lowest voter turnout. In the 2016 general election, only 56 percent of voters cast a ballot. That figure was 62 percent for overall turnout in New Mexico.

DWI ARRESTS-SANTA FE
Santa Fe Police step up efforts to curb drunken driving
(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Santa Fe Police Chief has announced the department will step up efforts to curb drunken driving.
The Santa Fe Mexican reported Thursday that the number of alcohol-related crashes in Santa Fe continues to climb, while the number of arrests for drunken driving continues to decrease.
In response, officers will be keeping a closer eye on the number of arrests.
Police say the department had 99 alcohol-related crashes in the city in 2016, which was more than double the number of crashes in 2013. Meanwhile, officers made 363 alcohol-related arrests in 2016, which was the least since 2013.

SANTA FE-BUDGET
Santa Fe schools' budget shortfall not as grim as expected
(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Santa Fe Public Schools' budget shortfall for next year might not be as bad as it once appeared.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reported Thursday that the district thought its shortfall would be between $4 million and $9 million, but now realizes it will be closer to $1.7 million.
District officials, however, say their worst case scenarios are still possible since state legislators and Gov. Susana Martinez have not reached a deal on a state budget.
Officials have been talking about possibly closing two district elementary schools if need be.
The district spokesman says the update is a better outlook, but not a good outlook.

COAL-RENEWABLES
New Mexico company plans to end coal-fired electric power
(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Public Service Company of New Mexico has proposed to stop using all its coal-fired electricity within the next 14 years.
The Albuquerque Journal reported Friday that the company plans to replace coal entirely with solar, wind, natural gas and nuclear power.
The company has found through its 20-year resource plan that consumers will save money in the long run if it shuts down its coal generating station in San Juan by 2022 and relinquishes the utility's 13 percent share in the nearby Four Corners Generating Station by 2031.
The company will close two of four generating units at the San Juan plant next year to meet environmental regulations.
The plan is in its first draft and a final version will be filed in July.

DRUG TREATMENT-ATTORNEYS GENERAL
Attorneys general to Trump: Don't cut drug treatment funds
The top government lawyers from 19 states are telling President Donald Trump and the Republican leaders of Congress not to cut federal money for drug treatment programs.
A group of Democratic state attorneys general sent a letter Friday to federal officials saying the government "cannot abandon this commitment to our communities."
It's the latest of several actions from Democratic attorneys general objecting to Trump policies.
In this case, it's a pre-emptive argument that comes as Trump says Republican lawmakers are closing in on an agreement on how to replace former President Barack Obama's health insurance overhaul.
It's not clear what any new plan would mean for drug treatment, which has become a major issue amid an epidemic of addiction to opioid drugs.

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New Mexico State News for Friday April 21, 2017

4/21/2017

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ALBUQUERQUE SCHOOLS-BUDGET CUTS-THE LATEST
The Latest: State officials critical of district's spending
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — State education officials are joining the chorus of people who are criticizing Albuquerque Public Schools for proposed cuts to middle school sports.
Deputy Public Education Secretary Paul Aguilar issued a statement Thursday saying parents deserve to know that pay for the district's top administrators has increased dramatically in just five years and now tops $4 million.
He also said there are now 35 administrators at the district who earn six figures, nearly double the number in 2011 despite a drop in enrollment.
Aguilar said students should be put first rather than administrators.
State officials also have suggested that the cuts could be avoided if the district tapped into its tens of millions of dollars in cash balances.
The district has repeatedly defended the decision to cut middle school sports, saying some $580,000 would be saved and classroom cuts could be avoided.

AEROSPACE ASSOCIATION-LEADERSHIP
New Mexico official named chairman of aerospace group
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Lt. Gov. John Sanchez has been selected as the chairman of the National Aerospace States Association.
The nonprofit organization is made up of lieutenant governors and governor-appointed delegates with the goal of fostering economic development and promoting state perspectives when it comes to federal aerospace policy.
Sanchez says New Mexico in recent years has taken steps to offer incentives to attract new jobs and investment from aerospace and aviation companies.
He says New Mexico is an ideal location for such work given its favorable climate and low population density.

HUMAN REMAINS FOUND
Authorities: Human remains found inside a Mesilla Park home
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Dona Ana County Sheriff's officials say human remains have been found inside a Mesilla Park home.
Sheriff's detectives were called to the scene Tuesday morning when a woman who was cleaning out the house reported finding what appeared to be human jaw bones inside a box.
Detectives say the bones appear to be very old and suspect they were dug up from an unknown location.
Sheriff's officials say the home belonged to someone who died in January and left the house to a neighbor, who had started clearing it out.
The Office of the Medical Examiner has taken possession of the remains.
They will begin the task of trying to identifying them and working with investigators to determine if criminal activity was a factor.

ENDANGERED WOLVES-DEATHS
Officials confirm deaths of 2 endangered wolf pups
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Wildlife officials have confirmed that two endangered Mexican gray wolf pups died last month.
The Arizona Department of Game and Fish detailed the cases in a monthly report released Thursday.
The agency says a female pup with the Hoodoo Pack was found dead in Arizona in March. The cause remains under investigation.
A male pup with Arizona's Bluestem Pack died after being captured for a medical evaluation. Officials say testing confirmed the animal had canine distemper.
The most recent survey conducted by federal and state officials involved in the reintroduction program showed at least 113 wolves spread between Arizona and New Mexico. That marked an improvement over the previous year.
The survey also showed that 50 wild-born pups survived in 2016 compared with half that the previous year.

TRIBAL POLICE OFFICER SHOT
Man pleads not guilty in shooting death of Navajo officer
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The man accused of gunning down a tribal police officer in a remote corner of the nation's largest American Indian reservation has pleaded not guilty to several charges including murder.
Kirby Cleveland entered the pleas during his arraignment Thursday in federal court in Albuquerque. He'll remain in custody pending trial.
The murder and weapons charges against Cleveland stem from the killing of Navajo Nation Officer Houston James Largo, who was shot March 11 on a dark road in western New Mexico.
Cleveland also is accused of escaping from a halfway house in February.
At the time of the shooting, Cleveland was on probation for forcing his way into a home on the Navajo Nation in 2012 armed with a baseball bat and assaulting a woman. He served two years in prison in that case.

DELICIOSO STAMPS
US Postal Service dedicates delicioso stamps
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Postal Service is releasing its latest series of stamps, and this time, the tiny works of art are dedicated to the influence of Mexican, Central and South American and Caribbean foods and flavors on American cuisine.
The dedication ceremony for the Delicioso Forever Stamps is being held Thursday evening at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque.
The stamps feature bright illustrations of tamales, flan, empanadas, chile rellenos, ceviche and the traditional soup sancocho.
Award-winning illustrator John Parra, known for his Latino-themed children's books, says it was an honor to have worked on the project. For him, each stamp brings back memories of the meals shared with family while growing up in Southern California.
Parra says cooking is an important part of Latino culture and that food is one of the best ways for people to connect.

NAVAJO NATION-HOUSING COMMISSIONERS
Navajo Nation President calls for housing board to resign
(Information from: Gallup Independent, http://www.gallupindependent.com)
GALLUP, N.M. (AP) — The Navajo Nation President has called for the resignation of the current Navajo Housing Authority commissioners.
The Gallup Independent reported Wednesday that President Russell Begaye signed a letter addressed to the commissioners complaining about "extravagant uses of discretionary funds."
Begaye says commissioners are using their influence to build houses for their relatives. He says their meeting and trips have become excessive in nature.
The housing authority's public relations coordinator says the commissioners are aware of the letter, but had not yet received a copy of it as of Tuesday.

HEAD-ON COLLISION-MURDER
Man convicted of 2nd-degree murder in fatal head-on wreck
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A Laguna Pueblo man with prior DWI convictions has been convicted of second-degree murder in a 2015 fatal head-on collision on the Sandia Pueblo Indian Reservation in the Albuquerque area.
The U.S. Attorney's Office says 35-year-old Jeffrey Antonio faces up to life in prison when sentenced on his conviction from a jury verdict Wednesday.
According to prosecutors, Antonio was driving a truck that swerved into oncoming traffic, injuring another vehicle's driver and killing the passenger on July 31, 2015.
Prosecutors also said a cold four-pack of beer in Antonio's truck was missing two cans, officers said Antonio smelled of alcohol and a blood test indicated Antonio had a blood-alcohol level of .19, over twice New Mexico's limit of .08.
Antonio had prior DWI convictions in 2008 and 2011.

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New Mexico State News for Thursday April 20, 2017

4/20/2017

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Latest New Mexico news, sports, business and entertainment.

11TH DWI ARREST
Colorado man arrested in New Mexico on 11th DWI charge
PECOS, N.M. (AP) — A Colorado man has been arrested for the 11th time on suspicion of driving drunk after authorities received numerous calls about an erratic driver near the northern New Mexico community of Pecos.
State police identified the driver as 56-year-old Terry Huff of Greeley. He was booked into the San Miguel County jail on charges of DWI, child abuse and reckless driving. It wasn't clear if he had an attorney.
Police say Huff's breath alcohol content was three times the legal limit of 0.08 percent.
When the officer pulled over Huff last Friday, he noticed a child standing on the seat looking out the vehicle's windows. The officer said Huff smelled of alcohol and was mumbling incoherently.
Officers made arrangements for the child to stay with family members.

CRIME VICTIMS-MARIJUANA
Audit: Federal grant funds tapped for medical marijuana
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An audit by independent investigators with the U.S. Justice Department has determined a New Mexico program that helps crime victims allowed federal grant funds to be used to reimburse the purchase of medical marijuana.
The review by the agency's inspector general was released this week. It identified $7,630 in questioned costs.
Officials noted that while medical marijuana is legal in New Mexico, the substance is still banned under federal law and not an expense that can be covered by grant funding.
New Mexico's Crime Victims Reparation Commission has received more than $21 million in grants in recent years to help victims of crime by connecting them with counseling, therapy and other services.
Documents show the commission has changed its policies as a result of auditors' recommendations and if medical marijuana is prescribed, it will be covered with state funding.

NAVAJO NATION NAME
Navajo name change fails to garner enough support
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — A proposal that called for changing the name of the Navajo Nation to Dine Nation has failed to win enough support from the tribal council.
Legislation proposing the official name change went before the council Tuesday, with only nine delegates voting in favor. The measure was previously tabled in January in an effort to gather more perspective from elders and study the costs of making such a change.
Had it been approved, Council Delegate Jonathan Hale said the change would have only applied to tribal departments, divisions, agencies and other Navajo government enterprises.
Opponents argued that it would create confusion among Navajos and others.
Dine is the Navajo word meaning "the people" and is commonly how tribal members refer to themselves.

OIL AND GAS-LEASE SALE
New Mexico earns $4M in latest oil and gas lease sale
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The latest oil and gas lease sale has netted nearly $4 million for public schools and other beneficiaries.
The State Land Office said this month's sale attracted two dozen bidders from six states. Up for auction were 35 tracts covering nearly 9,000 acres in Eddy, Chaves and Lea counties in southeastern New Mexico.
With two months left in the fiscal year, revenues earned from monthly oil and gas lease sales have surpassed $61 million. Officials say earnings for the 2016 fiscal year totaled only $36 million.
Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn says it's fortunate that interest in drilling in the Permian Basin remains strong. He says more than 90 percent of revenues earned from oil and gas activity go toward teacher salaries, books and education infrastructure.

SODA TAX
Roman Catholic church backs soda tax in New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Roman Catholica Church is endorsing a proposed tax on sugar-sweetened beverages in New Mexico's state capital city.
The Archdiocese of Santa Fe threw its support Wednesday behind a soda tax of 2 cents per fluid ounce that would go toward expanding prekindergarten programs. Santa Fe voters will decide on the local tax May 2.
In a news release the archdiocese says municipal governments are being left with little choice other than to fund their own early childhood education programs because of a lack of state funding.
Santa Fe Archbishop John Wester previously criticized state lawmakers this year for not approving a proposed constitutional amendment to fund early childhood education with money from a state sovereign wealth fund.

FIRE DEPARTMENT-DRUGS
Clovis investigating possible tampering with ambulance drugs
CLOVIS, N.M. (AP) — Clovis officials say possible tampering has prompted them to remove and replace all drugs on the Fire Department's 11 ambulances used for emergency calls.
The Eastern New Mexico News reports that police began investigating after tampering with some narcotics was discovered Saturday night.
City Manager Larry Fry says all of the department's 72 uniformed personnel are being drug tested and that the federal Drug Enforcement Administration is assisting Clovis police with the investigation.
Fry says the extent of the problem isn't yet known, including whether the drug supplies on all the ambulances were suspect, but he says there's no evidence anyone has been harmed.
Emergency officials from other agencies said ambulances typically carry a variety of medications that include controlled substances.

SANTA FE-BANKING PROPOSALS
Santa Fe requests local proposals for Wells Fargo deposits
(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Santa Fe is looking to spread its city accounts to community banks and credit unions now that its contract with Wells Fargo is set to expire in December.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reported Tuesday that the city wants to spread about $210 million in various accounts to community banks and credit unions.
The city has put out a request for proposals for banking services. City officials say community reinvestment practices, local employment and financial education will all come into play.
Wells Fargo has been under federal scrutiny for alleged fraudulent account practices.
The city's spokesman says community advocates have been concerned about those claims and Wells Fargo-backed projects threatening the environment.
A bank official, however, says the city's money might remain with Wells Fargo.

MESILLA-MAN SETS FIRE
Sheriff's Dept.: Man throws knife, sets self himself on fire
MESILLA, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say a man threw a knife at a town marshal in a Las Cruces suburb and then set himself on fire.
The Dona Ana County Sheriff's Department says 48-year-old Gaspar Ayala-Arellano doused himself with gas and used a lighter to set the fire.
The sheriff's department says deputies who arrived to help the marshal were able to quickly extinguish the fire. The suspect was jailed on suspicion of aggravated assault on a peace officer after being treated at a hospital for burns on his legs and torso.
The thrown knife struck the marshal, but she wasn't injured. The incident happened Tuesday night in the Las Cruces suburb of Mesilla.

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State News for New Mexico Wednesday April 19th, 2017

4/19/2017

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Latest New Mexico news, sports, business and entertainment.

6TH DWI ARREST
New Mexico State Police: Anthony man arrested for 6th DWI
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State Police say an Anthony man has been arrested for DWI for the sixth time.
They say a uniformed officer was dispatched to a single vehicle crash last Friday afternoon in Berino.
Police say the 53-year-old Mario Martinez had crashed his vehicle in a dry canal off the road.
The state police officer says he noticed Martinez had bloodshot, watery eyes and smelled of alcohol.
He also says Martinez had slurred speech, appeared to be confused and allegedly admitted to drinking prior to the crash.
Police say Martinez failed field sobriety tests and was arrested for DWI.
They say Martinez had five prior DWI arrests.
He's been booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center.
It was unclear Tuesday if Martinez has a lawyer yet.

Rich Runs for Senate
New Mexico construction contractor announces US Senate bid
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Republican construction contractor Mike Rich of Albuquerque is the first challenger to seek the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Democrat Martin Heinrich.
Rich said Thursday he will seek the New Mexico GOP nomination for Senate in 2018 elections in his first bid for elected public office.
Rich is emphasizing his support for commercial development of natural resources on federal lands as a way to boost the New Mexico economy. He is criticizing Heinrich's vote against the confirmation of Energy Secretary Rick Perry as a liability for New Mexico in efforts to ensure federal funding.
He traces New Mexico's difficulties in addressing violent crime and drug overdoses to illegal drugs crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. Democrats have held both New Mexico Senate seats since GOP Sen. Pete Domenici retired in January 2009.


MOTEL SHOOTING VICTIM
Police identify man found fatally shot at Albuquerque motel
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Police have identified a man found fatally shot at a northeast Albuquerque motel last week.
They say the victim was 21-year-old Leroy Garcia.
Police say the man's body was discovered last Tuesday at the Motel 76.
A suspect in the homicide has yet been identified by police, who say their investigation is continuing.
Police say Garcia had a criminal history that included a recent arrest for receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle, felony possession of a controlled substance and possession of burglary tools.
They say an arrest warrant for Garcia was filed for failing to show up for a court hearing last month.

TRIBAL CRIME
Sessions expands program to combat crime on tribal lands
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has announced plans to allow more tribal nations to tap into national information systems to fight crime and bolster relationships with Native America.
His announcement on Tuesday is part of a broader program to support anti-crime efforts on reservations from the Puget Sound area of Washington state to the Adirondacks in New York.
Law enforcement officials on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana began training this week on accessing the federal data.
Fort Peck is among 10 tribal regions that will join nine other tribes that can already tap into the databases as part of the program launched by the Obama administration in 2015.
Fort Peck authorities hope the resources will help them deal with a meth problem and other crimes.

POLICE CRUISER-CRASH
Mother, children injured in crash with Albuquerque officer
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say an Albuquerque police officer responding to a call collided with another vehicle, critically injuring a woman and two children.
The woman and both children were taken to the hospital after the Monday crash. Police say the officer suffered a broken leg and broken ankle.
Bernalillo County Sheriff's Deputy Felicia Romero said the children had been stabilized and remained in intensive care Tuesday. She had no other information to release since the investigation was ongoing.
Albuquerque police say the officer's lights and sirens were on as he headed to a call involving a man armed with a machete at a grocery store.
The crash happened at an intersection as the woman's vehicle turned in front of the police car.

OIL AND GAS-INVESTMENTS
New Mexico assets capture attention of oil and gas giants
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — As New Mexico's elected leaders wrangle over raising taxes to plug a budget shortfall, major energy companies have quietly spent more than $13 billion in recent months on assets in the state's oil and gas hot spots.
Analysts say the new wave of investment bodes well for the industry being able to generate much-needed revenues for the struggling state over the long haul.
Credit rating agency Standard & Poor's Global Ratings on Tuesday predicted a turnaround in economic output for New Mexico this year, pointing to growth in the oil and mining sectors.
Texas-based EOG Resources, ExxonMobil and Marathon Oil have already turned their attention to New Mexico, and analysts are expecting more demand going forward.
They say one indicator is the rapid increase in the value of land within New Mexico's portion of the Permian Basin.

WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM
New Mexico city steps up water conservation enforcement
(Information from: Carlsbad Current-Argus, http://www.currentargus.com/)
CARLSBAD, N.M. (AP) — The southern New Mexico city of Carlsbad has started its annual crackdown on residents not in compliance with the city's water conservation schedule.
The Carlsbad Current-Argus reports that to save water in the hotter spring and summer months the city prohibits residents from watering their grass on Mondays. There is also no watering allowed any day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. when temperatures reach above 100 degrees.
The water conservation schedule, approved in a 2011 city ordinance, is in effect from April through September.
Carlsbad's director of utilities, Mike Hernandez, says people found violating the schedule will get three reminders before additional violations can be forwarded to police.
The ordinance is part of the city's 100-year plan to conserve water.

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Luna County Broadcasting KDEM/KOTS Radio
P.O. Box 470 - 1700 S. Gold Ave. - Deming, NM  88031 (88030)
575-546-9011 - 575-546-9342 (fax) - radio@demingradio.com
Webmaster :  John W. Krehbiel - john@demingradio.com 575-545-3208
Copyright 2020 | Luna County Broadcasting - Deming Radio - All rights reserved.