The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says emergency funds won’t be used to provide SNAP payments to states if the shutdown continues into November, as Senate Democrats insisted was possible. In a memo released Friday, the USDA blamed Democrats for the nearly 24-day government shutdown and said that money from the contingency funds cannot be […]
Communities
Posted inBernalillo, Local Gov.
Bernalillo council to review shelter plan
Town councilors in Bernalillo are set to again review possible zoning changes that would lead to the development of a new animal shelter. Councilors are expected to conduct a public hearing on the request by Sandoval County, which wants to build the shelter at 400 S. Hill Road. The county is requesting that the land […]
Posted inPueblos
Former GOP legislative candidate jumps into Congressional race to oust Vasquez
By Alex Ross — A third Republican has joined the field of contenders vying to take on Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) next year in a key congressional swing district. Records from the Federal Election Commission show that on Oct. 16, Jose Orozco of Albuquerque filed a statement of candidacy to run for the Republican nomination […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Westside Albuquerque
Months after launch, Sandoval dispatch center now operating independently
After months of technical difficulties, Sandoval County’s new public safety dispatch center is being all it can be. Since it opened July 1, the Public Safety Emergency Communications Center of Sandoval County had been beset by reliability issues, with most calls being picked up by Rio Rancho dispatchers. County Manager Wayne Johnson announced at Wednesday’s […]
Posted inLocal Gov., Westside Albuquerque
Torrance County to consider disaster declaration for Melody Ranch water system failure
The Torrance County Board of County Commissioners will hold a special meeting Monday to consider declaring a disaster over a water system failure that has left the Melody Ranch community without reliable water service since June. The meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the county offices at 205 S. Ninth St. and will also […]
Posted inPueblos
Placitas Artists Series receives $240,000 grant for community plaza project
The Placitas Artists Series has been awarded $240,000 to develop Las Huertas Plaza in the heart of the Sandoval County community. The funding combines $90,000 in federal money from the National Endowment for the Arts through its Our Town program with a $150,000 matching grant from the State of New Mexico, according to a press […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., New Mexico Statewide News, Westside Albuquerque
Heinrich, Luján push back against claims that USDA can’t access funds for SNAP due next month
By Alex Ross — New Mexico Democratic Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan on Thursday disputed claims made by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that they lack the funds to cover the cost of next month’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Heinrich and Lujan were among 45 Democratic Senators who signed […]
Posted inEdgewood
State regulators work to restore water service to Melody Ranch community
State regulators are coordinating with multiple agencies to restore water service to a community that has been without reliable water since June. The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission has been working with Melody Ranch Water Company LLC, state and local agencies and residents to find a permanent solution after the utility’s infrastructure failed, leaving customers […]
Posted inLocal Gov., Pueblos
Moriarty City Council postpones appointing new councilor
By Lauren Lifke The conversation of a replacement for former Moriarty City Councilor Steve Anaya was tabled at the council meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 23, weeks after Anaya swore in as mayor. In his first full meeting as the mayor after former Mayor Brandon Webb resigned, Anaya and the council discussed a replacement for his […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Edgewood, Pueblos
Investing in our schools: Moriarty-Edgewood bond to fund key facility improvements
The Moriarty-Edgewood School District will ask voters Nov. 4 to continue two mill levies that have funded school improvements for years, district officials said. The ballot includes a general obligation bond and a 2-mill levy for public school capital improvements. Both measures would maintain current tax rates without increasing property taxes, according to district documents. […]