City leaders, community members and land grant representatives gathered to celebrate the official opening of the Route 66 Open Space Trailhead — a long-awaited project that links Albuquerque’s cultural history with greater public access to nature and the East Mountains. “This one is a long time in the making, going back to 2010, but is […]
East Mountains
From Tijeras to the deep: MMA3 Thompson’s journey aboard USS Springfield
Submitted by American Connections Media Outreach NAVAL BASE GUAM – Before the ocean swallows the light and the hatch seals shut, every submariner carries one thing below the surface — their story. For Petty Officer 3rd Class Daniel Thompson, a native of Tijeras, New Mexico, serving as a machinist’s mate (auxiliary), that story began in […]
Reading 9 to 5: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library expands to Estancia Valley
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order expanding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program across the state. This program will ensure that every child born in New Mexico up to the age of five receives free, high-quality books each month through the book gifting initiative. “Today, we’re unlocking the potential of our youngest minds and […]
New Cedar Crest restaurant sparks a flame
The East Mountains has a new eatery, but it’s something a little different than anything that has been there before. Flamez Mediterranean Fusion opened its doors on May 22, in the former Yours, Mine and Ours restaurant located at 12118 NM-14 in Cedar Crest. The restaurant opened without much fanfare, but within one day, sold […]
Local food pantry seeks community support to restock essential items
As more families face difficult times, the East Mountain Food Pantry is stepping up and asking the community for help to continue its mission of feeding those in need. The nonprofit, which serves food-insecure families across Bernalillo, Santa Fe and Torrance counties, is seeking donations of several high-demand staples: In 2024, the pantry served 1,408 […]
Want to serve in the municipal government or school board? Here’s how to file your candidacy paperwork
The 2025 local elections are just around the corner and people who want to run for office should be getting ready to file their candidacy paperwork. The 2025 elections are nonpartisan races that include municipal government, school boards and soil and water conservation districts. Candidates for most local elections will need to file their paperwork […]
The Next Education Disruptor: GenAI in New Mexico’s Schools
Submitted by Trey Smith One of the more consequential outcomes of this past year’s legislative session was the passage of House Memorial 2, which mandated the creation of a statewide working group focused on making recommendations for generative artificial intelligence (AI) policy and use in New Mexico schools. I was fortunate enough to be appointed […]
Laura Roberta Oney Jones
Laura Roberta Oney Jones, 70, a lifetime resident of NM, passed away May 28, 2025, in Albuquerque. NM. Laura was born in Mountainair, NM on June 13, 1954 and lived on her grandfather’s ranch until she was 14-years-old. She attended school in Mountainair, graduating in 1972. She then attended NMSU, graduating with both her B.S. […]
Classic car show returns to Mountainair for Jubilee Celebration
The streets of Mountainair will come alive with chrome and color on June 28, as the Jubilee 2025 Car Show cruises into town with a wide display of vintage vehicles and family-friendly activities. The event will take place at Salinas HQ, 105 S. Ripley Avenue. It is part of Mountainair’s annual Jubilee Day celebration, which […]
Juneteenth closures announced across East Mountains, Edgewood, Moriarty
On Thursday, June 19, several communities across New Mexico’s East Mountains—including Edgewood, Moriarty, and surrounding areas—will pause routine operations in observance of Juneteenth. Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the effective end of slavery in the United States. The Town of Edgewood has confirmed a full closure […]