Ross J. Ward spent more than 40 years carving, collecting and lovingly transforming his Sandia Mountains property into a national folk art destination. Following his death in 2002, his wife, Carla, and a few dedicated family members and volunteers have continued to maintain Tinkertown for the more than 25,000 visitors who make the winding trek […]
Route 66 Independent
Posted inEnvironment, Conservation & Climate
Water systems serving 700 across East Mountains test positive for PFAS “forever chemicals,” state testing finds
By Rodd Cayton and Pat Davis — Some local water systems across the East Mountains have been found to be contaminated with “forever chemicals,” prompting state officials to invite local water managers to cooperate with developing programs for mitigation and monitoring. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – known as PFAS – were developed in the 1950s […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, East Mountains, Route 66 Independent
Crash report details final moments before BCSO sergeant’s fatal I-40 collision
A newly released crash report from the Rio Rancho Police Department provides new details about the sequence of events that led to the death of Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Schlattman on Feb. 23 on Interstate 40 Westbound near the East Mountains. Schlattman, 52, was killed in the line of duty while conducting a traffic […]
Posted inRoute 66 Independent
Edgewood police welcome two new officers
The Town of Edgewood has added two new police officers to its ranks so far this year, and both come with experience from other departments. Officer Phoy St. John joined the department in January. He brings “approximately 14 years of law enforcement experience,” according to the department. Officer Colin Pritchett served in law enforcement for […]
Posted inEast Mountains, East Mountains News, Local Government, Route 66 Independent
Tijeras landowner seeks zoning approval to develop commercial plots along NM-14
By Rodd Cayton, nm.news — Village of Tijeras residents will soon weigh in on a proposed development that could bring a new gas station, restaurant or other businesses to NM 14 and I-40. Village councilors have tentatively set a public hearing for March 30 on the project, at the corner of Torres Trail and State […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, East Mountains, Route 66 Independent
Memorial services set for BCSO sergeant killed during traffic stop in East Mountains
A Bernalillo County sheriff’s sergeant who was killed when a tractor-trailer struck his patrol vehicle during a traffic stop on Interstate 40 will be honored with public memorial services this weekend and Monday, with his funeral falling on what would have been his 53rd birthday. Sgt. Michael Schlattman, a 13-year veteran of the Bernalillo County […]
Posted inCommunity Content, East Mountains, Route 66 Independent
History of a Route 66 Landmark in Tijeras Canyon – The Mountain Lodge
Community content by Rick Holben, East Mountain Historical Society The Mountain Lodge was built about 1949 east of Albuquerque in the Carnuel area of Tijeras Canyon by Crawford Bissel Saunders and his wife, Marie Auer Saunders. The motel fronted what was the original two-lane alignment of U.S. Highway 66 on property purchased in late 1946 […]
Posted inRoute 66 Independent
BCSO Sergeant fatally struck during traffic stop in East Mountains: Investigation underway
By Jesse Jones — A Bernalillo County sheriff’s sergeant was killed Monday evening after a tractor-trailer crashed into his patrol unit during a traffic stop on Interstate 40 near the East Mountains, Sheriff John Allen announced Monday night. Sgt. Michael Schlattman, a 13-year veteran of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, called in the stop just […]
Posted inEast Mountains
Child dead, two others injured in East Mountains shooting
A 4-year-old boy is dead and two others remain in critical condition following an early-morning domestic violence shooting at Leisure Mountain RV Park located on NM-333 between Tijeras and Zuzax, according to a release by the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional details provided Tues. afternoon by the […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Moriarty, Route 66 Independent, Sandoval County
Firearm incident leads to massive drug bust in Moriarty
A 43-year-old man faces multiple drug trafficking and assault charges after allegedly firing a gun during an argument and authorities discovered large quantities of narcotics at his home, according to the Torrance County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to a report of an altercation involving a firearm on Belgian Avenue in Moriarty at approximately 2:59 p.m. […]