This article was originally published by Source NM. By Patrick Lohmann A federal judge in Albuquerque on Monday ordered the immediate release of an Iranian man held at an Estancia immigration lockup for the last six months, agreeing with his lawyers that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency was not acting quickly enough to deport […]
Westside Albuquerque
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Westside Albuquerque
Three charged in wind farm burglaries in Torrance County
Three people face multiple charges following a pair of burglaries last month at a wind farm facility in Torrance County, with investigators piecing together the case through surveillance footage, social media posts and confidential sources, court documents show. The Torrance County Sheriff’s Office responded to the first burglary on Nov. 17 at the Tecolote Wind […]
Posted inPueblos, Westside Albuquerque
Moriarty resident announces Republican congressional bid, citing deep New Mexico roots
Carlton Pennington, a Moriarty resident with ancestral ties to Tijeras dating back to New Mexico’s Spanish colonial era, has announced his candidacy as a Republican for the state’s 1st Congressional District seat, currently held by U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury. Pennington, 64, and his wife Chris, moved to Moriarty after living 20 years in Albuquerque’s Old […]
Posted inLocal Government, Westside Albuquerque
Torrance County Commission to consider $3 million in construction contracts
The Torrance County Board of County Commissioners will consider approving nearly $3 million in construction contract amendments for major county projects at their administrative meeting Wednesday. The commission is set to vote on a $2.8 million contract amendment with Franken Construction LLC to complete an early work package for the Torrance County Fairgrounds Project. Commissioners […]
Posted inPueblos, Westside Albuquerque
Recount confirms new mayor in Estancia
A month after the final ballots were cast, a state-ordered recount conducted in December has confirmed that Estancia Mayor Nathan M. Dial was unseated by a challenger in the Nov. 3 election. Senaida Anaya, the chief deputy clerk in Torrance County, told New Mexico Political Report that her office completed the recount on Thursday and […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Westside Albuquerque
Sen. Heinrich continues to call for updates on expired ICE detention facility contract
By Lauren Lifke A detention facility in Estancia for Immigration and Customs Enforcement is still operating without a contract after its contract expired in October. Torrance County Manager Jordan Barela told The Independent that the county had an intergovernmental agreement with ICE that expired Oct. 31. The facility has since been operating without a new […]
Posted inLocal Government, Westside Albuquerque
Torrance County launches text alert system for emergency notifications
Torrance County launched a text messaging alert system Wednesday, enabling residents to receive emergency notifications and county information directly on their mobile phones. The TextMyGov service went live Dec. 3 andwill send alerts about emergencies, road closures, critical incidents and weather events to residents who opt in. The county will send an initial text message […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Westside Albuquerque
Rio Rancho police food drive collects over 9,000 pounds
The Rio Rancho Police Department’s 17th annual food drive Saturday collected more than 5,000 pounds of food for St. Felix Pantry and about 4,000 pounds for Storehouse West. Tim Sheahan, president and CEO of St. Felix Pantry, confirmed his organization received over 5,000 pounds of donations from the event. Police officers collected non-perishable food items […]
Posted inNew Mexico State Gov., Westside Albuquerque
Sandoval County fire departments receive $1.5 million in state grants
Four fire departments in Sandoval County will receive a combined $1.5 million in state grant funding to improve emergency response capabilities and firefighter safety, the New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s Office announced Monday. The grants, awarded through the state’s Fire Protection Fund, will support major infrastructure improvements across the county. The Rio Rancho Fire Department […]
Posted inWestside Albuquerque
Torrance County fire departments awarded $625,000 in state grants
Two fire departments in Torrance County will receive $625,000 in state grant funding to purchase new equipment and support volunteer firefighter recruitment, the New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s Office announced Monday. The Moriarty Fire Department received the largest award at $600,000 to purchase a Class A fire engine, while the Mountainair Fire Department was awarded […]