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New Mexico State News for Wednesday May 31, 2017

5/31/2017

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PUEBLO-BODIES FOUND-AUTOPSIES
Sisters, kids found in Santa Ana Pueblo died of hypothermia

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Autopsies released Tuesday show that two sisters and their three children who were found dead on tribal land in January died of hypothermia.
The FBI says it did not find any evidence of foul play in the deaths of Vanessa George and her two children, Zoe and Chloe, and her sister Leticia George and daughter Haleigh.
Authorities discovered the women and children in a rugged area of the Santa Ana Pueblo. Their damaged truck was found at the end of a dirt road.
The case unfolded when family members asked police to check on the two women and their children. Police arrived at the home they were renting in Albuquerque to find no one there. Cellphones and other belongings were left behind, prompting police to issue a flier about the women's disappearance.

NEW MEXICO-BUDGET CRISIS-THE LATEST
The Latest: New Mexico Legislature concludes special session

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Legislature has concluded a special session after Gov. Susana Martinez signed legislation that resolves a state budget crisis for the coming fiscal year.
The Legislature adjourned on Tuesday as Democratic lawmakers expressed lingering concerns about the health of state finances.
Martinez restored funding Friday to all state colleges and universities that she had vetoed earlier by tapping money from suspended infrastructure projects.
The Republican governor has rejected a string of tax increases proposed by the Democratic-led Legislature that were designed to further bolster state finances and protect the state's credit rating.

SHOOTING DEATH-ALBUQUERQUE
Police investigate woman's shooting death in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Police are investigating the shooting death of a woman last week in Albuquerque.
Investigators say 27-year-old Celina Arrellanes was found shot late Wednesday night.
Arrellanes later died at a hospital from her injuries.
No suspects have been arrested.

MESA-NAME CHANGE
Pueblo applies to rename mesa 20 miles west of Bernalillo

(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The people of the Santa Ana Pueblo want to rename a mesa about 20 miles west of the town of Bernalillo as part of an effort to reclaim ancestral lands.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that the San Felipe Mesa was likely named by Spanish conquerors to honor King Philip II of Spain.
Under the proposal, it would be known by the name used by used by ancestors.
The pueblo has applied to have the name changed on all federal maps to Kene-ewa.
It's a process that requires approval from the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, though local maps can be changed without such a process.
Nationally, other Native American communities and others have been working to rename locations to fit with their history or overturn cruel or exploitative names.

UNM-INTERIM PRESIDENT
University of New Mexico extends contract for interim leader

(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The University of New Mexico has extended the contract of the school's interim president for up to another 12 months.
The Albuquerque Journal reports the university's governing board recently changed Chaouki Abdallah's title from acting to interim president and formally signed him to a term that could span the next year.
His new contract keeps him as interim president through May 31, 2018, or until the Board of Regents appoints a new president. Regents could make a decision by late October.
Regents President Rob Doughty said Abdallah has done an excellent job for the past five months and has earned the respect of people throughout the UNM community.
Abdallah took over in January after Bob Frank stepped down with five months left on his contract.

THE DAILY TIMES-EDITOR
Farmington newspaper names next newsroom leader

(Information from: The Daily Times, http://www.daily-times.com)
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — The Daily Times in Farmington has named the editor of an award-winning publication in Wyoming as its next leader.
The northwestern New Mexico newspaper on Monday announced the appointment of John Moses as editor . He arrived in Farmington last week.
Moses most recently served as editor of the Jackson Hole News & Guide and local news coordinator for its sister paper, the Jackson Hole Daily.
He has managed newsrooms from the San Francisco Bay area to rural Alaska, where he and his wife founded the Alaska Pioneer Press, a monthly newspaper and website that once served a sparsely populated region about the size of West Virginia.
A native of Northern California, Moses also worked as managing editor of a daily paper in Juneau, Alaska.

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New Mexico State News - Tuesday May 30, 2017

5/30/2017

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Officials: Man who killed his father then took his own life 
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A 20-year-old man fatally shot his father in Albuquerque during an argument before killing himself with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office says Carlos Velasquez shot 57-year-old Joseph Garcia in the abdomen during the argument Sunday night.
Garcia later died at a hospital.
Investigators say Velasquez left in a vehicle before sheriff's deputies arrived at the scene.
He was later found dead inside the vehicle on Interstate 40.


Sandia Labs reportedly creates mobile app to test for Zika 
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Scientists and researchers at the federal government's largest national laboratory have developed an app and mobile device they say can detect Zika.
The New Mexico-based Sandia National Laboratories says the new app connects to a smartphone-controlled, battery-operated diagnostic device to identify Zika, dengue, and chikungunya within 30 minutes.
Traditional testing for the mosquito-borne viruses often requires a laboratory and long waits. Officials say the cost for that testing can run $20,000 and make it out of reach for rural clinics in developing countries where the viruses thrive.
But Sandia scientists say their new device weighs under a pound and costs as little as $100.
The Sandia team describes its rapid-testing prototype in the journal Scientific Reports .


University of New Mexico extends contract for interim leader 
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The University of New Mexico has extended the contract of the school's interim president for up to another 12 months.
The Albuquerque Journal reports the university's governing board recently changed Chaouki Abdallah's title from acting to interim president and formally signed him to a term that could span the next year.
His new contract keeps him as interim president through May 31, 2018, or until the Board of Regents appoints a new president. Regents could make a decision by late October.
Regents President Rob Doughty said Abdallah has done an excellent job for the past five months and has earned the respect of people throughout the UNM community.
Abdallah took over in January after Bob Frank stepped down with five months left on his contract.



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New Mexico State News for Tuesday May 30, 3016

5/30/2017

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NEW MEXICO-BUDGET CRISIS
New Mexico budget compromise comes under scrutiny

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico financial analysts say legislation approved by Gov. Susana Martinez last week will provide state government with an additional $83 million — just enough to avoid a deficit in the coming fiscal year.
Credit rating agencies on Tuesday were combing through revisions to New Mexico's financial plan for the fiscal year starting July 1. The state's Republican governor reached a budget compromise Friday with the Democratic-led Legislature.
Martinez also vetoed a series of tax increases approved by the Legislature in a special session that reconvenes on Tuesday afternoon.
The governor has agreed to tap bond funds from suspended infrastructure projects to close a budget shortfall last estimated at $70 million. The Legislative Finance Committee says that plan will provide the state general fund with an additional $83 million.

CIMARRON RIVER-FISHING
Stretch of Cimarron River reopens for fishing

EAGLE NEST, N.M. (AP) — State wildlife managers say a stretch of the Cimarron River in northern New Mexico is open to fishing again following restoration work.
A 1.5 mile stretch of the river along N.M. Highway 64 east of Eagle Nest was closed in December 2016 after a tanker truck overturned and spilled about 1,100 gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel into the river.
Despite the restoration work, Eric Frey of the state Game and Fish Department is cautioning anglers not to eat more than three meals of fish per month from the spill area.
The effected stretch of the river passed through the Colin Neblett Wildlife Area and Cimarron Canyon State Park.

NMSU-AG SCIENCE CENTERS
NMSU hopes to not close agricultural science centers

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State University is not closing any of its 12 agricultural science centers in the state -- at least not yet.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reported earlier this month that the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences conducted a self-evaluation of the centers as it grapples with less funding in the face of a statewide budget crisis.
College of ACES Dean Rolando A. Flores says closing any of the centers is a "last recourse."
Flores says the College of ACES needs to rationalize its funds and properly manage its resources.
New Mexico State has formed a committee to figure out ways to operate the centers more efficiently. The committee includes private industry professionals, as well as some agricultural science center superintendents, college department heads and faculty members.

EXHIBITION-ZUNI FETISHES
Albuquerque Museum to display work of Zuni carvers

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The work of one of Zuni Pueblo's most famous fetish carvers will going on display this summer at the Albuquerque Museum.
Officials say it will be the first retrospective exhibit of Leekya Deyuse's work.
His carvings began gaining notoriety in the early 1900s thanks to the marketing of regional traders in the American Southwest. By the 1950s, his work was sought out by museums and was part of private collections worldwide.
The exhibition — titled The Leekya Family: Master Carvers of Zuni Pueblo — will be on display from June 24 through Sept. 24.
More than 350 works will make up the exhibit and will include pieces made by his contemporaries and descendants.
The family's story will be presented through the voices of his grandsons, Freddie and Francis Leekya, and his daughter, the late Sarah Leekya.

DEPUTY SHOOTS DEPUTY-JURORS
Jurors discuss ex-deputy's second mistrial in murder case

(Information from: Las Cruces Sun-News, http://www.lcsun-news.com)
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Jurors deliberated the murder case of former Santa Fe County sheriff's deputy Tai Chan for less than four hours and were unable to reach a unanimous decision, leading to a second mistrial.
Defense attorneys for Chan said Tuesday that no juror agreed to a first-degree murder conviction in shooting death of deputy Jeremy Martin during an alcohol-fueled dispute. But some jurors told the Las Cruces Sun-News said that statement was misleading.
Two jurors said three panelists believed Chan had killed Martin with deliberate intent, but the others weren't convinced. So, deliberations turned to second-degree murder.
Only five jurors supported that conviction, sending the deliberations to voluntary manslaughter. But after the jury voted 6-6 on that charge they informed the judge that they were deadlocked. A second vote also ended in a stalemate, then a mistrial was declared.
District Attorney Mark D'Antonio said he expected to make a decision next week on whether to seek another trial.

ELVIS PLANE-AUCTION
Jet owned by Elvis auctioned after sitting 30 years

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A private jet once owned by Elvis Presley has been auctioned after sitting on a runway in New Mexico for more than 30 years.
GWS Auctions Inc. says the plane sold for $430,000 on Saturday at a California event featuring celebrity memorabilia.
The auction house says Elvis designed the interior that has gold-tone woodwork, red velvet seats and red shag carpet. But the red 1962 Lockheed Jetstar has no engine and needs a restoration of its cockpit.
Liveauctioneers.com says the 1962 red Lockheed JetStar was owned by Elvis and his father, Vernon Presley.
It has been privately owned for 35 years and sitting on a tarmac in Roswell, New Mexico.

LOS ALAMOS PLUTONIUM FUTURE
New Mexico lab's future up in the air after recent fire

(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A recent fire has put a national laboratory's ability to operate safely into question.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board announced Friday that it will hold a hearing next month to discuss the future of the Los Alamos National Laboratory.
A fire broke mid-April at the lab in section where the plutonium cores of nuclear weapons are produced. Lab officials said that the fire was put out quickly and caused minor injuries.
According to the report, the board is unsure if the lab is fit to continue to operate and handle increasing quantities of plutonium in coming years. The board will have the chance to get the opinion of a number of experts at its June 7 hearing.

POLICE SHOOTING-CIBOLA COUNTY
State Police: Wanted person fatally shot by officers

SAN RAFAEL, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say one person is dead following a shooting by police in Ciibola County in northwestern New Mexico.
New Mexico State Police say the shooting occurred Friday at a residence in San Rafael near Grants when State Police and Albuquerque Police Department officers attempted to contact a wanted person.
According to the State Police, officers fatally shot the wanted person "during the process of attempt to apprehend the individual."
Identities of the person killed and officers involved were not released and no information was immediately available on why police were trying to take the wanted person into custody.
The incident is being investigated by the State Police Investigations Bureau.

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State News for Monday May 29, 2017

5/29/2017

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CIMARRON RIVER-FISHING
Stretch of Cimarron River reopens for fishing

EAGLE NEST, N.M. (AP) — State wildlife managers say a stretch of the Cimarron River in northern New Mexico is open to fishing again following restoration work.
A 1.5 mile stretch of the river along N.M. Highway 64 east of Eagle Nest was closed in December 2016 after a tanker truck overturned and spilled about 1,100 gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel into the river.
Despite the restoration work, Eric Frey of the state Game and Fish Department is cautioning anglers not to eat more than three meals of fish per month from the spill area.
The effected stretch of the river passed through the Colin Neblett Wildlife Area and Cimarron Canyon State Park.

NMSU-AG SCIENCE CENTERS
NMSU hopes to not close agricultural science centers

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State University is not closing any of its 12 agricultural science centers in the state -- at least not yet.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reported earlier this month that the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences conducted a self-evaluation of the centers as it grapples with less funding in the face of a statewide budget crisis.
College of ACES Dean Rolando A. Flores says closing any of the centers is a "last recourse."
Flores says the College of ACES needs to rationalize its funds and properly manage its resources.
New Mexico State has formed a committee to figure out ways to operate the centers more efficiently. The committee includes private industry professionals, as well as some agricultural science center superintendents, college department heads and faculty members.

EXHIBITION-ZUNI FETISHES
Albuquerque Museum to display work of Zuni carvers

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The work of one of Zuni Pueblo's most famous fetish carvers will going on display this summer at the Albuquerque Museum.
Officials say it will be the first retrospective exhibit of Leekya Deyuse's work.
His carvings began gaining notoriety in the early 1900s thanks to the marketing of regional traders in the American Southwest. By the 1950s, his work was sought out by museums and was part of private collections worldwide.
The exhibition — titled The Leekya Family: Master Carvers of Zuni Pueblo — will be on display from June 24 through Sept. 24.
More than 350 works will make up the exhibit and will include pieces made by his contemporaries and descendants.
The family's story will be presented through the voices of his grandsons, Freddie and Francis Leekya, and his daughter, the late Sarah Leekya.

DEPUTY SHOOTS DEPUTY-JURORS
Jurors discuss ex-deputy's second mistrial in murder case

(Information from: Las Cruces Sun-News, http://www.lcsun-news.com)
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Jurors deliberated the murder case of former Santa Fe County sheriff's deputy Tai Chan for less than four hours and were unable to reach a unanimous decision, leading to a second mistrial.
Defense attorneys for Chan said Tuesday that no juror agreed to a first-degree murder conviction in shooting death of deputy Jeremy Martin during an alcohol-fueled dispute. But some jurors told the Las Cruces Sun-News said that statement was misleading.
Two jurors said three panelists believed Chan had killed Martin with deliberate intent, but the others weren't convinced. So, deliberations turned to second-degree murder.
Only five jurors supported that conviction, sending the deliberations to voluntary manslaughter. But after the jury voted 6-6 on that charge they informed the judge that they were deadlocked. A second vote also ended in a stalemate, then a mistrial was declared.
District Attorney Mark D'Antonio said he expected to make a decision next week on whether to seek another trial.

ELVIS PLANE-AUCTION
Jet owned by Elvis auctioned after sitting 30 years

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A private jet once owned by Elvis Presley has been auctioned after sitting on a runway in New Mexico for more than 30 years.
GWS Auctions Inc. says the plane sold for $430,000 on Saturday at a California event featuring celebrity memorabilia.
The auction house says Elvis designed the interior that has gold-tone woodwork, red velvet seats and red shag carpet. But the red 1962 Lockheed Jetstar has no engine and needs a restoration of its cockpit.
Liveauctioneers.com says the 1962 red Lockheed JetStar was owned by Elvis and his father, Vernon Presley.
It has been privately owned for 35 years and sitting on a tarmac in Roswell, New Mexico.

LOS ALAMOS PLUTONIUM FUTURE
New Mexico lab's future up in the air after recent fire

(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A recent fire has put a national laboratory's ability to operate safely into question.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board announced Friday that it will hold a hearing next month to discuss the future of the Los Alamos National Laboratory.
A fire broke mid-April at the lab in section where the plutonium cores of nuclear weapons are produced. Lab officials said that the fire was put out quickly and caused minor injuries.
According to the report, the board is unsure if the lab is fit to continue to operate and handle increasing quantities of plutonium in coming years. The board will have the chance to get the opinion of a number of experts at its June 7 hearing.

POLICE SHOOTING-CIBOLA COUNTY
State Police: Wanted person fatally shot by officers

SAN RAFAEL, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say one person is dead following a shooting by police in Ciibola County in northwestern New Mexico.
New Mexico State Police say the shooting occurred Friday at a residence in San Rafael near Grants when State Police and Albuquerque Police Department officers attempted to contact a wanted person.
According to the State Police, officers fatally shot the wanted person "during the process of attempt to apprehend the individual."
Identities of the person killed and officers involved were not released and no information was immediately available on why police were trying to take the wanted person into custody.
The incident is being investigated by the State Police Investigations Bureau.

SHOE LADY
Woman in Minot collects shoes for children in Mexico

MINOT, N.D. (AP) — A woman who spent part of her childhood in Mexico is collecting shoes from North Dakota children to donate during her next trip to the country.
Luz Derusse, who now lives in Minot, decided to start collecting the shoes when she encountered children at the border during a trip to Mexico.
Derusse has made multiple trips to Mexico in the past five years to give away shoes she's acquired from yard sales, thrift shops and donations.
The Minot Daily News reports Derusse is planning to make another trip this week, and will be bringing a trailer filled with shoes.
Local Starbucks stores and the Minot YWCA also have been assisting in the effort in collecting shoes.
Shoes have been donated from North Dakota, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Minneapolis.
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New Mexico State News for Sunday May 28, 2017

5/28/2017

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FATAL CRASH
California man killed on New Mexico highway
 
SANTA ROSA, N.M. (AP) — State police say a 20-year-old California man was killed Friday after being struck by a commercial truck on Interstate 40 near Santa Rosa.
Police say witnesses reported that it appeared Bayley Harley-Imler of Westlake Village, California, purposely walked in front of the truck that hit him around 9:30 p.m. on Friday.
Harley-Imler was sent to a local hospital, where he died.
The driver and passenger in the truck were not injured.
The crash is still under investigation.

SWAT STANDOFF
Man attempted burglary, set building on fire before arrest 

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say a 38-year-old man broke into a restaurant while armed with an edged weapon, stole a car, barricaded himself in an empty building and set it on fire before police caught him.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office says deputies were called out noon Saturday.
The man, who was identified as Marcio Lujan, tried to steal items from a restaurant but was confronted by the owners. Lujan is suspected of then stealing car that stalled about a block away.
Police say that's when Lujan broke into an empty commercial building and barricaded himself.
The sheriff's office used a police-trained dog to get Lujan out.
Police say Lujan made comments about setting a fire, and deputies then noticed smoke coming from inside. The building was quickly engulfed in flames.
The Bernalillo County Fire Department contained the fire.

EXHIBITION-ZUNI FETISHES
Albuquerque Museum to display work of Zuni carvers

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The work of one of Zuni Pueblo's most famous fetish carvers will going on display this summer at the Albuquerque Museum.
Officials say it will be the first retrospective exhibit of Leekya Deyuse's work.
His carvings began gaining notoriety in the early 1900s thanks to the marketing of regional traders in the American Southwest. By the 1950s, his work was sought out by museums and was part of private collections worldwide.
The exhibition — titled The Leekya Family: Master Carvers of Zuni Pueblo — will be on display from June 24 through Sept. 24.
More than 350 works will make up the exhibit and will include pieces made by his contemporaries and descendants.
The family's story will be presented through the voices of his grandsons, Freddie and Francis Leekya, and his daughter, the late Sarah Leekya.

DEPUTY SHOOTS DEPUTY-JURORS
Jurors discuss ex-deputy's second mistrial in murder case

(Information from: Las Cruces Sun-News, http://www.lcsun-news.com)
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Jurors deliberated the murder case of former Santa Fe County sheriff's deputy Tai Chan for less than four hours and were unable to reach a unanimous decision, leading to a second mistrial.
Defense attorneys for Chan said Tuesday that no juror agreed to a first-degree murder conviction in shooting death of deputy Jeremy Martin during an alcohol-fueled dispute. But some jurors told the Las Cruces Sun-News said that statement was misleading.
Two jurors said three panelists believed Chan had killed Martin with deliberate intent, but the others weren't convinced. So, deliberations turned to second-degree murder.
Only five jurors supported that conviction, sending the deliberations to voluntary manslaughter. But after the jury voted 6-6 on that charge they informed the judge that they were deadlocked. A second vote also ended in a stalemate, then a mistrial was declared.
District Attorney Mark D'Antonio said he expected to make a decision next week on whether to seek another trial.

ELVIS PLANE-AUCTION
Jet owned by Elvis auctioned after sitting 30 years

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A private jet once owned by Elvis Presley has been auctioned after sitting on a runway in New Mexico for more than 30 years.
GWS Auctions Inc. says the plane sold for $430,000 on Saturday at a California event featuring celebrity memorabilia.
The auction house says Elvis designed the interior that has gold-tone woodwork, red velvet seats and red shag carpet. But the red 1962 Lockheed Jetstar has no engine and needs a restoration of its cockpit.
Liveauctioneers.com says the 1962 red Lockheed JetStar was owned by Elvis and his father, Vernon Presley.
It has been privately owned for 35 years and sitting on a tarmac in Roswell, New Mexico.

LOS ALAMOS PLUTONIUM FUTURE
New Mexico lab's future up in the air after recent fire

(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A recent fire has put a national laboratory's ability to operate safely into question.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board announced Friday that it will hold a hearing next month to discuss the future of the Los Alamos National Laboratory.
A fire broke mid-April at the lab in section where the plutonium cores of nuclear weapons are produced. Lab officials said that the fire was put out quickly and caused minor injuries.
According to the report, the board is unsure if the lab is fit to continue to operate and handle increasing quantities of plutonium in coming years. The board will have the chance to get the opinion of a number of experts at its June 7 hearing.

POLICE SHOOTING-CIBOLA COUNTY
State Police: Wanted person fatally shot by officers

SAN RAFAEL, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say one person is dead following a shooting by police in Ciibola County in northwestern New Mexico.
New Mexico State Police say the shooting occurred Friday at a residence in San Rafael near Grants when State Police and Albuquerque Police Department officers attempted to contact a wanted person.
According to the State Police, officers fatally shot the wanted person "during the process of attempt to apprehend the individual."
Identities of the person killed and officers involved were not released and no information was immediately available on why police were trying to take the wanted person into custody.
The incident is being investigated by the State Police Investigations Bureau.

DIOCESE-IMMIGRATION MEMO
Archdiocese tells workers to ask ICE agents for warrants

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A Roman Catholic Church diocese for Albuquerque and much of New Mexico is advising its workers to ask for a search warrant if federal immigration officers enter church property.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that the Archdiocese of Santa Fe sent employees a memo saying when church personnel must admit Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials and when they can deny entry.
It also provides guidance on calling the archdiocese attorney and what employees can say to demand that agents leave the premises.
According to the memo, it was written in response to rumors of ICE raids of churches, schools and other locations.
However, Archdiocese Chancellor Tom Macken says he doesn't know of any actual ICE raids at church properties.
Las Cruces and Gallup dioceses oversee parts of New Mexico.

SEX CASE-SENTENCING
Man sentenced for raping women with mental disorders

(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
LAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico man accused of raping three women with mental disorders will serve time in jail.
The Albuquerque Journal reports 76-year-old Benjamin Baca was sentenced to seven years in prison Friday. He pleaded guilty to three counts of criminal sexual penetration in February.
Prosecutors say Baca would drive past boardinghouse where patients released from a mental health institute lived. They say he got women to get into his car by offering them soda and cigarettes.
Some women say Baca forced them to have oral sex and intercourse.
His lawyer had previously asked the judge to sentence Baca only to sex offender counseling. The lawyer argued that due to Baca's old age, he was less likely to reoffend and would not do well in jail.

STATE POLICE-DWI CHECKPOINTS
New Mexico police to watch for drunken drivers

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico state police officers are planning a series of sobriety checkpoints around the state.
Officials say the checkpoints and advertising highlighting the state's enforcement efforts are aimed at reducing alcohol-related fatalities.
Data from the state Transportation Department and the University of New Mexico shows 31 people died in alcohol-related crashes in the first four months of 2017. That's less than the 55 alcohol-related deaths in the first quarter of 2016.
Officials say New Mexico's alcohol-related death rate has consistently been nearly twice the national rate for the past two decades.
State police says they'll also be checking driver's licenses and reviewing vehicle registrations and insurance during June's checkpoints.
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New Mexico State News for Saturday May 27, 2017

5/27/2017

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STATE POLICE-DWI CHECKPOINTS
New Mexico police to watch for drunken drivers

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico state police officers are planning a series of sobriety checkpoints around the state.
Officials say the checkpoints and advertising highlighting the state's enforcement efforts are aimed at reducing alcohol-related fatalities.
Data from the state Transportation Department and the University of New Mexico shows 113 people have died in alcohol-related crashes in the first four months of 2017. That's less than the first quarter the previous year.
In 2016, a total of 175 people died in alcohol-related crashes. That accounted for more than 40 percent of New Mexico's traffic fatalities last year.
Officials say New Mexico's alcohol-related death rate has consistently been nearly twice the national rate for the past two decades.
State police says they'll also be checking driver's licenses and reviewing vehicle registrations and insurance during June's checkpoints.

DAM-GOATS EAT WEEDS
Las Cruces using herd of goats to clear vegetation along dam

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Las Cruces officials say dozens of rented goats is having success in reducing brush and other vegetation along a nearly 3-mile-long dam in the southern New Mexico city.
The Las Cruces Sun-News reports the herd of goats started at one end of the dam about a year ago and have gradually moved toward the other end while enclosed by a movable fence.
Street and Traffic Operations Administrator Willie Roman says use of the goats is a safe way to clear the dam's slanted surface.
The city embarked on the project because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers inspected the dam and advised that the amount of vegetation on the barrier be reduced.
Las Cruces previously used goats to clear weeds at a lake and at a flood-control drainage.

MURDER CASE-CONVICTIONS
Jury convicts 2 suspected in death of an Albuquerque woman

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Two people suspected in the death of an Albuquerque woman have been convicted by a Valencia County jury.
Prosecutors say Shane Foster was convicted Thursday of second-degree murder with a firearms enhancement, tampering with evidence and conspiracy to tamper with evidence.
They say Renee Foster was convicted of tampering with evidence and conspiracy to tamper with evidence.
Sentencing dates haven't been set yet.
New Mexico State Police say they received information in December 2015 about 30-year-old Casimirio Ramirez, who was missing at the time.
Police executed search warrants at two Los Lunas residences and evidence gathered led to the recovery of Ramirez's body from a shallow grave near the Rio Grande River in January 2016.
The Fosters were arrested and booked into jail. Their trial began last week.

NEW MEXICO-BUDGET CRISIS
New Mexico governor restores university funds, vetoes taxes

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez has vetoed a string of tax proposals passed by lawmakers but has signed legislation that restores funding to state colleges and universities.
The Republican governor on Friday approved legislation to reinstate roughly $745 million in spending on state institutions of higher education that include university hospitals and medical research facilities.
The bill also reinstates funding to the Legislature for the fiscal year starting July 1.
She initially vetoed the funding in April as part of a standoff with lawmakers over how to resolve a budget crisis.
On Friday, she vetoed for a second time several tax increases that lawmakers say are needed to shore up state finances.
A rebound in tax revenues in February and March removed some of the pressure on recent budget negotiations.

GIRL ASSAULTED-SUSPECTS ARRESTED
Illinois men accused of sexually assaulting New Mexico girl

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say two Illinois men have been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a girl when she lived in New Mexico.
New Mexico State Police say 24-year-old Robert Hull and 31-year-old Bryan Huber were taken into custody in Loves Park, Illinois by the U.S. Marshals Service.
State Police say they received a report last June from an officer with the Albany, Oregon Police Department about a journal written by an alleged victim, who was 14 at the time.
The victim allegedly wrote in the journal details about how she was sexually assaulted when she lived in New Mexico.
The journal's discovery led to a multi-state investigation.
Police say Huber and Hull both are accused of criminal sexual contact of a minor.
It was unclear Friday if either man has a lawyer.

HIKER-FATAL FALL
Body of hiker who fell into canyon near Alamogordo recovered

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State Police say the body of a hiker who fell about 250 feet into a deep canyon east of Alamogordo has been recovered.
They say 19-year-old David Morales was hiking with a teenage friend on the trails adjacent to the Tunnel Vista area when he fell into the canyon about 5 p.m. Thursday.
Police say the teen had to hike back out to get help and waved down vehicles on U.S. 82.
Crews from the U.S. Border Patrol, Otero County Sheriff's Office and volunteer fire departments from surrounding communities helped State Police start a search and rescue mission.
A Border Patrol helicopter used infrared technology to locate Morales' dead body Thursday night and rescuers recovered the Alamogordo man's body Friday morning.
State Police say they're investigating the death.

ALBUQUERQUE POLICE-ARRESTS
Albuquerque curbs arrests, jail time for minor crimes

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A special order directing Albuquerque police to scale back on arrests for two dozen non-violent misdemeanor offenses marks the latest reform in New Mexico's largest city that aims to ease arrests and jail time for low-level offenders.
The May 10 order — spurred by a recent settlement agreement in a long-running lawsuit over local jail conditions — follows a voter-approved constitutional amendment in November that bars the courts from keeping inmates jailed solely because they can't afford bail, while allowing judges to deny bail to those considered exceptionally dangerous.
Criminal justice reform advocates nationwide have focused on reducing arrests and prosecutions for non-violent infractions — such as panhandling, prostitution and marijuana possession — that they say often disproportionately involve the homeless, people with mental illness and minorities.
This report is one of a series of stories from the CJ Project, an initiative to broaden the news coverage of criminal justice issues affecting New Mexico's diverse communities.

NAVAJO COAL PLANT
Navajo Nation proposes lease extension for coal power plant

(Information from: The Arizona Republic, http://www.azcentral.com)
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation has introduced legislation to extend the lease on the coal-fired power plant in northern Arizona so it can operate through 2019.
The Arizona Republic reported Thursday that the lease extension would allow for the Navajo Generating Station to be used through December 2019 and then be torn down. If the tribe does not approve a lease extension by July 1, the plant will have to close at the end of this year to be torn down by 2020.
If the deal is approved, the Navajo Nation will earn $110 million in lease payments throughout the next 35 years. This is because the generating stations owners will be required to monitor the land after the facilities are removed.
The tribe also hopes to keep several pieces of the operation when it closes.

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New Mexico State News for Friday May 26, 2017

5/26/2017

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SANCTUARY CITIES-TEXAS-NEW MEXICO
New Mexico advocates to join Texas immigration law protest

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Dozens of immigrant advocates from New Mexico are heading to Texas to protest that state's new law allowing police officers to ask about a person's immigration status.
The advocates from the New Mexico Dream Team will join immigrant activists in Texas on Monday for a demonstration against the law at the Texas Capitol Building.
The Texas law also requires police chiefs and sheriffs — under the threat of jail and removal from office — to comply with federal requests to hold criminal suspects in jail for possible deportation.
Opponents blast the Texas bill as a version of Arizona's immigration crackdown law, SB 1070, which sparked protests and led to legal challenges in 2010. They say the Texas law will result in racial profiling.

RIO CHAMA-RIVER FLOWS
Feds: Rio Chama boasts most robust spring runoff in years

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Federal water managers say flows on the Rio Chama are on the rise, marking one of the most robust spring runoffs in years.
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is releasing 3,000 cubic feet per second from El Vado Reservoir into the river to keep up with the snowmelt.
Agency officials say they also want to ensure there's enough room to safely store additional water that's expected to fill the reservoir as more snow melts in the higher elevations.
Forecasters say about 100,000 acre-feet of runoff will reach the reservoir before the end of July. One acre-foot equals more than 325,000 gallons, or 1.2 million liters.
Officials say the higher flows will provide opportunities for recreation over the long weekend, but they're also urging people to be cautious of the faster flows.

NEW MEXICO-BUDGET CRISIS-THE LATEST
The Latest: New Mexico governor praises budget agreement

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez is praising efforts by lawmakers to balance the state budget for the coming fiscal year, though she intends to veto outright tax increases.
The Republican governor issued a statement by email Thursday saying that she is "pleased that we were able to come to an agreement on the budget."
The Democratic-led legislature delivered a collection of tax and savings measures aimed at filling a budget shortfall for the fiscal year starting July 1. The governor has the long weekend to act on legislation that would reinstate funding to the Legislature and state universities that she vetoed earlier this year.
The budget can be narrowly balanced with the approval of a bill to suspend infrastructure projects and use severance tax bonds to shore up state finances. Martinez says she supports the measure.

FATAL ROLLOVER-ARREST
Berino man arrested after rollover crash kills a passenger

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State Police say a Berino man has been arrested in connection with a car accident last week that fatally injured one of his passengers.
Police say 19-year-old Oscar Ivan Anchando is being held on suspicion of vehicular homicide, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, leaving the scene of an accident and driving without a license or insurance.
It's unclear if he has a lawyer.
The rollover occurred about 11 p.m. Friday south of Las Cruces near Interstate 10.
Police say the driver was traveling at a high rate of speed and attempted to pass another vehicle when the car rolled, ejecting both passengers who weren't wearing seat belts.
They say 21-year-old Victor Chavez of Berino died at a hospital. The other passenger suffered non-life threatening injuries.

NEW MEXICO LAKE-WATER LEVELS
Snowmelt boosts water level at popular New Mexico lake

ELEPHANT BUTTE, N.M. (AP) — RV owners prepping for the Memorial Day weekend say unexpected high water levels at a popular lake in southern New Mexico have dampened their plans.
Elephant Butte State Park officials say the lake is currently 14 feet higher than this time last year. Park Superintendent Kay Dunlap says the water is coming from snowmelt flowing from the upper Rio Grande.
Many people left their RVs parked on the beach ahead of the weekend. Many came back to the lake after they were notified by a park employee or saw photos on Facebook.
One owner told Albuquerque television station KRQE that when he left, his truck was not in the water. He found the front tires in the water Wednesday.
Reports say the water level will continue to rise until mid-June.

FBI RAIDS STATE OFFICE
FBI raids New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department office

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Federal Bureau of Investigation has raided the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department as part of an ongoing federal grand jury investigation.
The agency raided the state department Wednesday.
U.S. Attorney's Office spokeswoman Elizabeth Martinez says agents executed a federal search warrant, but she declined to provide any details about the investigation.
Taxation and Revenue Department spokesman Ben Cloutier says the search warrant involves a classified employee who has worked for the department since 2006.
He said the employee has been placed on administrative leave and the agency is cooperating with authorities.
It is unclear whether the raid had been related to a state investigation of Demesia Padilla, former taxation and revenue secretary. Padilla resigned in December after state investigators seized tax documents belonging to her and her husband.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has raided the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department as part of an ongoing federal grand jury investigation.
The agency raided the department's offices on Wednesday.
The agency has been concerned with a classified employee, department spokesman Ben Cloutier said. The employee in question has been placed on administrative leave, he said.
U.S. Attorney's Office spokeswoman Elizabeth Martinez said agents executed a federal search warrant, but she declined to give any details of the investigation.
It is unclear whether the raid had been related to a state investigation of Demesia Padilla, former taxation and revenue secretary. Padilla resigned in December after state investigators went to her agency and seized tax documents belonging to her and her husband. Neither of them has been charged with a crime.
Padilla, who had been one of the governor's longest-serving Cabinet members, was the subject of an investigation by the state attorney general, Hector Balderas. He was looking into a range of possible crimes, including tax evasion and embezzlement.
James Hallinan, a spokesman for Balderas, declined to comment on the FBI's raid. But when asked whether his office had handed the Padilla case over to federal investigators, he said, "I can confirm that the investigation related to Demesia Padilla is still ongoing within the Office of the Attorney General."

CONVICTED KILLER-PLEA WITHDRAWAL
New Mexico judge denies convicted killer's plea withdrawal

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A judge has denied a convicted killer's attempt to get out of prison by trying to withdraw his guilty plea in the murders of five people in New Mexico between 2005 and 2008.
Clifton Bloomfield pleaded guilty in 2008 and was sentenced to 195 years in prison.
Late last year, Bloomfield filed a writ of habeas corpus to withdraw his plea.
The Office of the Attorney General Criminal Appeals Division argued in December that Bloomfield's petition should be dismissed.
Second Judicial District Court Judge Benjamin Chavez agreed with the AG's Office on Thursday.
Bloomfield was convicted of killing 37-year-old Carlos Esquibel in October 2005 and Josephine Selvage three days later.
He also was charged with murdering Tak and Pung Yi in December 2007 and 40-year-old Scott Pierce in June 2008.

BELEN-CUSTODIAL INTERFERENCE CASE
Belen police: 5-year-old girl taken by mother is found safe

BELEN, N.M. (AP) — Police in Belen say a 5-year-old girl who was taken by her mother in a custodial interference situation has been found safe.
They say 36-year-old Alicia Trejo allegedly broke into the residence of the child's grandmother Wednesday night, abducted the girl and then fled the scene on foot.
Police say Trejo has no legal custodial rights to Marissa Bibiano and an Amber Alert was issued.
Belen police say the girl was located Thursday afternoon, but no details were immediately released.
Police say Trejo was arrested without incident. They didn't immediately say what charges she may be facing.

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New Mexico State News for Thursday May 25, 2017

5/25/2017

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TRUMP BUDGET-WILD HORSES
Trump budget would allow sale of wild horses for slaughter

PALOMINO VALLEY, Nev. (AP) — President Donald Trump's budget proposal calls for saving $10 million next year by selling wild horses captured throughout the West without a guarantee from buyers that the animals won't be resold for slaughter.
Wild horse advocates say the change would gut nearly a half-century of protection for wild horses and could send thousands of free-roaming mustangs to foreign slaughterhouses for processing as food.
They say the Trump administration is kowtowing to livestock interests who don't want the region's estimated 59,000 mustangs competing for precious forage across more than 40,000 square miles of rangeland in 10 states managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
Trump's budget anticipates the savings would come through a reduction in the cost of containing and feeding the animals. The savings also would include cutbacks involving roundups and contraception programs.

SPACEPORT-ROCKET COMPETITION
Colorado schools to participate in spaceport rocket launch

UPHAM, N.M. (AP) — More than a dozen payloads from public schools and other educational organizations around Colorado will be aboard one of the rockets to be launched from Spaceport America during a competition next month.
The schools are teaming up with United Launch Alliance and Ball Aerospace for the June 24 launch at the spaceport in southern New Mexico.
Their projects will be launched on a 53-foot-tall, high-power sport rocket dubbed "Future Heavy."
Spaceport officials say the annual competition is open to student rocketry teams from across the country and around the world. This year's competition is expected to be the largest with more than 110 teams from 11 different countries.
Various types of rockets will be launched, with some aiming for altitudes of 30,000 feet.

NAVAJO NATION-HIGHWAY
Navajo Nation bill would name highway after Chief Manuelito

(Information from: The Daily Times, http://www.daily-times.com)
FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — A Navajo Nation proposal would designate a portion of U.S. Highway 491 in honor of the prominent Navajo leader Chief Manuelito.
The Daily Times in Farmington, New Mexico, reports a bill sponsored by a member of the Navajo Nation Council would renamed the portion between Monticello, Utah, and Gallup, New Mexico, after Chief Manuelito Atiin.
Atiin is the Navajo word for highway.
On the Navajo Nation, the highway travels through various Navajo communities, including Shiprock and Newcomb.
Delegate Leonard Tsosie, who is sponsoring the legislation, says the designation is suitable because Manuelito hailed from the area.
The bill says Manuelito was a chief before and after the "Long Walk" to Fort Sumner.

NAVAJO COAL PLANT
Legislation seeks to extend operation of Arizona power plant

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation Council has been asked to approve an agreement between the tribe and the owners of the Navajo Generating Station to extend the operations of the power plant in northern Arizona.
Council Speaker LoRenzo Bates says he and Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye support having the coal-fired plant in Page remain in operation through 2019 and beyond.
The plant's owners announced in February they plan to close it in December 2019 when their lease expires, citing the availability of less expensive power generated by burning natural gas.
The owners say it'll take about two years to decommission the generating station, which means operations would have to end as soon as July 2017.
They want the tribe to issue a final decision on the proposed agreement by July 1.

NEW MEXICO-BUDGET CRISIS-THE LATEST
The Latest: New Mexico Legislature approves revenue bill

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Legislature has sent a bill to the governor that would tap severance tax bonds to fill a budget shortfall for the coming fiscal year.
The state House of Representatives voted unanimously Wednesday to suspend infrastructure projects and bolster the state general fund by $100 million in the coming fiscal year.
Of those funds, $19 million are one-time transfers of money from dozens of state government accounts.
Many lawmakers voted in favor of the legislation with reluctance, saying it set a bad precedent to borrow money to pay for current operations.
The Legislature began a special session Wednesday as it grapples with ways to balance a budget for the coming fiscal year. The governor recently vetoed tax increases and all funding for state universities.
Legislators also are considering new legislation to raise taxes on nonprofit hospitals, internet sales, vehicle sales and gasoline.

NEW MEXICO UTILITY PROPOSAL
New Mexico Public Service Company sends new rate proposal

(Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Public Service Company of New Mexico has submitted a new rate proposal after having an earlier one rejected.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the proposal had been sent to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission Tuesday. The previous proposal had been rejected by the commission because it wouldn't have affected all customers equally and would have overburdened regulators.
The company still seeks a 9.2 percent rate increase throughout the next two years, which would begin in 2018. But the new proposal takes into consideration that not all customers would have been paying equal amounts under the previous plan.
Company spokesman Pahl Shipley says the new agreement also removed a request to accelerate how quickly the company can recover costs associated with two coal plants that face potential retirement.

NEW MEXICO-ATHLETICS SPENDING-THE LATEST
The Latest: UNM to cooperate with state audit

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — University of New Mexico acting President Chaouki Abdallah says the school will cooperate with state auditors as they review the spending of public money on a 2015 golf trip to Scotland that included university athletics officials and private donors.
Abdallah said Wednesday that the university is looking forward to a timely process.
The state auditor's office says the review has been ongoing for at least three weeks.
Abdallah confirmed to Albuquerque television station KRQE earlier this week that Krebs acknowledged that the university picked up the tab for at least three donors to go on the trip.
The spending by UNM has raised questions about possible violations of the state Constitution's anti-donation clause, which prohibits state entities from making gifts to private citizens.

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New Mexico State News for Wednesday May 24, 2017

5/24/2017

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NEW MEXICO-BUDGET CRISIS
New Mexico lawmakers confront budget crisis, governor

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico lawmakers are converging on the state Capitol for a special session in hopes of resolving a budget crisis.
The session begins at noon Wednesday with a focus on restoring vetoed funding to all state colleges and universities.
Republican Gov. Susana Martinez and the Democratic-led Legislature have been feuding for months over how to fill a shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year.
Martinez in April vetoed tax and fee increases that most lawmakers say are needed to bolster funding for public schools, courts and critical government services after repeated rounds of cuts to state agencies.
The governor favors further government belt tightening, along with legislation to wipe away tax breaks.
Lawmakers are contemplating quick ways to boost finances by taxing more online sales, imposing taxes on nonprofit hospitals and suspending infrastructure projects.

UNM REGENTS QUITS
Longest serving member of UNM Regents resigns after 18 years

(Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The longest serving member of the University of New Mexico regents has resigned from the school's governing board after 18 years.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that Regent Jack Fortner submitted his letter of resignation Tuesday.
Fortner's most recent six-year term expired last December, but regents can continue serving until their replacement is confirmed by the New Mexico Senate.
Fortner told the Journal that he didn't want to be a distraction to the university.
He's a full-time attorney in Farmington and says he will focus more attention on his position as San Juan County Commission chairman.

SHOOTING-OFFICER INJURED
New Mexico man convicted of shooting Clovis police officer

CLOVIS, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico man who authorities say shot a Clovis police officer has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Ninth Judicial District Attorney Andrea Reeb announced Tuesday that a jury returned a guilty verdict against Anthony Baca. Police say the 35-year-old Baca shot Officer Chris Caron while escaping arrest on a failure to appear warrant.
Authorities say a bullet grazed Caron's thigh and he returned to work shortly after the shooting.
Baca was convicted of aggravated battery on a peace officer with a deadly weapon and assault with intent to commit a violent felony on a peace officer.
State District Judge Drew Tatum sentenced Baca to the maximum of 15 years in prison, which included enhancements for a prior felony conviction.

XCEL ENERGY-INFRASTRUCTURE
Xcel completes $5.6M project to boost capacity near Hobbs

HOBBS, N.M. (AP) — Xcel Energy says it has completed a $5.6 million project to boost electric capacity in one stretch of southeastern New Mexico.
The utility says the infrastructure improvements will help the agricultural areas north of Hobbs, where irrigation and dairy customers were experiencing voltage fluctuations due to their distance from the power source and the strain on existing substations in the area.
Utility officials say residential and commercial customer growth in neighborhoods on the northern edge of the city also was bogging down the two existing substations on hot summer days.
The project included the construction of a new substation, improved feeder lines and additional switches to help prevent overloads.

DEPUTY SHOOTS DEPUTY-THE LATEST
The Latest: Defense: Jury's outcome sends a strong message

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — A defense attorney for a former New Mexico sheriff's deputy facing a first-degree murder charge in the death of a fellow deputy says he's pleased that most jurors did not believe his client was guilty.
A state district judge declared a mistrial Tuesday in the case of Tai Chan, who was accused of shooting Jeremy Martin during what authorities described as an alcohol-fueled argument.
Jurors informed the judge after deliberating for less than four hours that they would not be able to reach a unanimous decision on lesser possible charges that included second-degree murder or manslaughter.
Defense attorney John Day says none of the jurors believed Chan was guilty of first-degree murder. He says the outcome sends a strong message, and he hopes prosecutors consider that both of Chan's trials have resulted in mistrials.
Prosecutors say they were consulting with Martin's family on the next step. It was not immediately clear if they would pursue a retrial.

DOMESTIC DISPUTE-MAN ARRESTED
Silver City man accused of domestic abuse in vehicle crash

SILVER CITY, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State Police say a Silver City man has been arrested in a domestic dispute.
They say 40-year-old Michael Aguirre was taken into custody Monday after a vehicle crash on State Road 90 in Grant County.
State Police say Aguirre allegedly caused the crash by deliberately forcing another vehicle off the road.
He then allegedly threatened the passengers in the other vehicle, who are family members.
State Police say Aguirre tried to gain access to the vehicle with knife and then fled the scene on foot.
He was found hiding under a bush by Silver City police.
Aguirre is being held on suspicion of 20 counts of aggravated battery on a household member, three counts of child abuse plus aggravated DWI, possession of a controlled substance and aggravated stalking.

ROUTE 66-LOSING PRESERVATION?
Expiring law could leave Route 66 towns without key funding

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Route 66, the historic American roadway that linked Chicago to the West Coast, soon may be dropped from a National Park Service preservation program.
A federal law authorizing the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program is set to expire in two years and with it would go millions of dollars in grants for reviving old tourist spots in struggling towns.
Landmarks Illinois director Frank Butterfield says small communities could miss out on much needed economic development funding.
The program has helped finance projects like the El Vado Motel neon sign restoration in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the Baxter Springs Independent Oil and Gas Station restoration in Kansas.
Decommissioned as a U.S. highway in 1985, Route 66 went through eight states, connecting tourists with friendly diners and motor lodges in small towns.

INFANT'S DEATH-DAD ARRESTED
Plea deal for Albuquerque man accused in infant son's death

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Prosecutors say an Albuquerque man accused in the death of his infant son in 2015 has accepted a plea agreement.
The Office of the 2nd Judicial District Attorney announced Tuesday that Spenser Phillips has agreed to plead guilty in court to second-degree murder and child abandonment resulting in death.
Phillips is expected to receive a 22-year prison sentence Wednesday and prosecutors say he will have to serve at least 18 ½ years.
He was arrested by Albuquerque police in June 2015 and accused of child abuse after his 2-month-old son died of a brain bleed.
Phillips was 25 years old at the time.
According to a criminal complaint, a doctor told police that the baby's injuries were from abusive head trauma and were not accidental.

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New Mexico State News for Tuesday May 23, 2017

5/23/2017

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EDUCATION LAWSUIT-THE LATEST
The Latest: New Mexico judge defers judgment on education

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A lawsuit alleging that New Mexico's education system failed to meet its constitutional responsibilities is headed to trial after a judge denied requests for an early decision.
The New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty said Monday that its main requests for summary judgment were denied so that the court can consider the state's response in greater depth.
Plaintiffs in the case wanted a state judge to declare that New Mexico's education system is failing to meet its constitutional responsibilities for Native American students, low-income students and those learning English as a second language.
Officials with Republican Gov. Susana Martinez's administration have denied the allegations and say funding on Education has increased.
A trial is scheduled to begin in June.

MARTINEZ-APPOINTMENTS
New Mexico lawmaker say governor's appointments can wait

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The president of the New Mexico Senate says there will be no confirmation hearings for appointments by Republican Gov. Susana Martinez during a special legislative session that begins Wednesday.
Senate President Mary Kay Papen said Monday that the Democratic-led Legislature will be focused on restoring vetoed funding for higher education institutions and will not vet executive appointments.
Martinez has described continued delays in the confirmation process for state university regents as a violation of the Legislature's constitutional duty. She highlighted the concern in her decision to veto $745 million in general fund spending for state colleges and universities in the coming fiscal year.
Papen says the Senate Rules Committee will meet after the special session to review appointments to speed up the confirmation process when the Legislature convenes next year.

COUNTERFEITER SENTENCED-NEVADA
New Mexico counterfeiter gets up to 18 years in Nevada

RENO, Nev. (AP) — A 47-year-old New Mexico man with a 25-year-old criminal history has been sentenced to up to 18 years in a Nevada prison for counterfeiting.
Murry McKinley pleaded guilty in state district court in Reno in March to one count of uttering a forged instrument.
The Washoe County District Attorney's Office said in a statement Monday Judge Scott Freeman granted prosecutors' request for habitual criminal status at last week's sentencing. That means McKinley must serve a minimum of five years before he's considered for parole.
Police say Murry was part of a counterfeiting ring passing fake bills at stores in the Reno area. He was arrested last October after he was caught on surveillance video.
Deputy District Attorney Zelalem Bogale says Murry's previous convictions include 11 felonies.

TRIBAL ROADS-SCHOOLS
New federal report addresses road conditions on tribal lands

PHOENIX (AP) — The federal government has released a report that casts a critical light on the poor condition of roads on tribal lands nationwide.
The General Accounting Office report released Monday says children are suffering from bad roads because they can't make it to school during bad weather.
The agency sent a team to do site visits at 10 different school districts and three reservations, where they evaluated bus routes by riding with students to school.
Reservation routes are often earth or gravel roads that become muddy and impassible after tribal areas are hit with adverse weather like heavy rainfall, strong winds, or snowfall. School officials say inclement weather compounded by already poor roads are a contributing factor to school absences of Native American youth on tribal lands.
The report highlights funding constraints, overlapping jurisdictions and bad weather as leading challenges.

ROSWELL-BURIED BODY IDENTIFIED
Roswell police ID body found buried outside a vacant house

ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — Police have identified the body of a woman found buried outside a vacant south Roswell house and continue to look for a suspect in the homicide case.
Roswell police investigators say the body found May 9 was that of Ambra Lynn Taylor, who was 41 when she disappeared in April 2016.
Police say they were able to make the identification based on the woman's tattoos and other information provided by the public.
Investigators believe Taylor came to Roswell from Albuquerque and had only been in town a short time before her disappearance and murder.
Police didn't say how Taylor died.
The body was discovered after police executed a search warrant.
They now are asking for help from the public for information that could lead to an arrest in the case.

ATTORNEY GENERAL-SANCTUARY CITIES-THE LATEST
The Latest: Trump seeks reconsideration of sanctuary ruling

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Trump administration has filed court papers in an effort to have a judge reconsider his ruling blocking the president's order to cut funding from "sanctuary cities" that limit cooperation with U.S. immigration authorities.
The U.S. Department of Justice asked U.S. District Court Judge William Orrick on Monday for permission to file documents asking the judge to reconsider or clarify his ruling in light of a new memo by Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
The memo reasserts the department's position that Trump's executive order applies to a relatively small amount of money. Orrick rejected that argument in a ruling in April that blocked the executive order.

ELVIS PLANE-AUCTION
Jet owned by Elvis to be auctioned after sitting 30 years

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A private jet once owned by Elvis Presley is set to be auctioned after sitting on a runway in New Mexico for 30 years.
Elvis designed the interior that has red velvet seats and red shag carpet.
But the red 1962 Lockheed Jetstar has no engines and needs a restoration of its cockpit.
Liveauctioneers.com says the jet was owned by Elvis and his father, Vernon Presley.
It has been privately owned for 35 years and sitting on a tarmac in Roswell, New Mexico.
GWS Auctions Inc. says the plane will be auctioned May 27 at an event featuring celebrity memorabilia.
It estimates the plane's value at $2 million to $3.5 million.

IMMIGRATION-VISA OVERSTAYS
US: Nearly 740,000 foreigners overstayed visas last year

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The U.S. Homeland Security Department says nearly 740,000 foreigners who were supposed to leave the country during a recent 12-month period overstayed their visas.
The count released Monday includes people who arrived in the U.S. by plane or boat but does not include ground border crossings.
Countries with the highest visa overstays during the period from October 2015 to September 2016 were Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China and India.
The number of visa overstays was about 200,000 higher than the previous 12-month period.
That's largely because this year's report adds students, who overstayed visas at a much higher rate than business travelers and tourists. Students were not included in last year's report.
An estimated 40 percent of the roughly 11 million people in the United States illegally have overstayed their visas.

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