McCauley Springs Fire In The Jemez Consumes 150 Acres
An aerial view today of smoke billowing from the McCauley Springs Fire in the Jemez Mountains. The fire is burning about a mile west of Jemez Falls Campground and as of this afternoon the fire has consumed 150 acres. Due to continued N.M. 4 road closures and power outages associated with the fire, Valles Caldera National Preserve will be closed Thursday, June 25. Courtesy/USFS
- McCauley Springs Fire Evening Update
- 150
- Jemez Ranger District, near Battleship Rock
- Undetermined
- 0%
- June 24, 2026
- Timber
Obituary: James Howard Douglass, Jr. Aug 5, 1979 – Jun 21, 2026
JAMES HOWARD DOUGLASS, JR. Aug 5, 1979 – Jun 21, 2026
It is with a very heavy heart to announce the passing of our beloved James. H. Douglass, Jr. (Jimmy).
Jimmy was born to Sgt. First Class James H. Douglass, Sr. and Janice Douglass on August 5, 1979, in Wiesbaden, Germany. He was welcomed by his siters Deborah and Laura.
Jimmy was a free spirit who had many hobbies. He loved cooking, RC cars, NASCAR, video games and his two Australian Shepherds, Maggie Mae and Jackie Blue.
He leaves behind his parents Jimbo and Jan, uncles Keith Kihara and Paul Neadrow, sisters Deborah and Laura (Greg), nephews Jason Read More
Wilmot Is Best Predictor In Weekly Pace Race June 23
Scene from the weekly pace race held Tuesday on the Burnt Mesa Trail. Courtesy/ACRR
Scene from the weekly pace race held Tuesday on the Burnt Mesa Trail. Courtesy/ACRR
ACRR News:
Zeke Wilmot was the top predictor in the Atomic City Road Runners (ACRR) weekly pace race held Tuesday on the Burnt Mesa Trail in Bandelier National Monument. He was 2 seconds off his predicted time.
Other accurate predictors were:
- James Zola with a 3 second differential
- Aurea Rojas recording a 8 second difference
- Eric Davis was 9 seconds off as well as the first-place finisher in the 2-mile distance at 21:06
- Edith Acosta
Update On McCauley Spring Fire Burning In The Jemez
New Mexico Forest Service News:
SANTA FE —The McCauley Springs Fire was detected this morning June 24, on the Jemez Ranger District and is approximately 30 acres.
Coordinating with the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office, the community of Sierra de los Pinos is in “Go” status and currently under evacuation. Sandoval County has set up an evacuation center at Mountain Baptist Church in La Cueva and the Jemez Senior Center.
N.M. 4 is now closed at the main entrance to Valles Caldera National Preserve. Access beyond the closure is restricted to emergency vehicles and authorized personnel. Note: Read More
YMCA To Host July 4th Firecracker 5K Family Fun Run, Community Parade, Announces Road Closures
YMCA News:
The Family YMCA will host its annual Firecracker 5K Family Fun Run and Community Parade on Saturday, July 4. Temporary road closures and traffic control measures will be in place to ensure the safety of participants and spectators.
Canyon Road will be closed from approximately 8-10 a.m., from 15th Street to Central Avenue and continuing to the Los Alamos High School parking lot to Diamond Drive, for the Firecracker 5K Family Fun Run.
Traffic control will also be in place on:
- 15th Street from Iris Street to Canyon Road; and
- Canyon Road from Central Avenue to Los Alamos High School.
Following Read More
Canceled: APP Board Meeting Due To Lack Of Quorum
COUNTY News:
The Art in Public Places Advisory Board (APP) meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 25 is canceled due to lack of quorum.
The next meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23 in Suite 110 at the Los Alamos County Municipal Building, 1000 Central Ave. The meeting is open to the public.
About the Art In Public Places Advisory Board:
To encourage the integration of art into the architecture of municipal structures, increase the general public awareness of art, to visually enhance the community, to capture a part of our history for future generations, to promote the establishment Read More
Blackhawk Helicopter Lands At Los Alamos County Airport
A Blackhawk helicopter arrived Saturday afternoon at Los Alamos County Airport and Airport Manager Gary Goddard explained that the U.S. Forest Service was responding to the Rio Fire near Chacoma Mountain and the helicopter was dumping water from Abiquiu Lake on the fire. Goddard added that the Rio Fire is contained and the Forest Service is ‘mopping up at this point’. Courtesy photo Read More
State Treasurer’s Office To Host Community Discussion On New Mexico Baby Bonds Thursday June 25
New Mexico State Treasurer Laura M. Montoya
State Treasurer’s Office News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico State Treasurer’s Office is hosting its Community Discussion on New Mexico Baby Bonds from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Thursday, June 25, at the Las Cruces Convention Center.
This conversation invites local leaders, public officials, and members of the public to learn more about New Mexico Baby Bonds, ask questions, and engage directly with State Treasurer Laura M. Montoya about how baby bonds can build generational wealth and expand economic opportunities for New Mexico families.
Baby Bonds is Read More
Sign Up For Next Week’s Hilltopper Girls Basketball Camps
State Canvass Board Certifies 2026 Primary Election Results, Orders Automatic Recounts
STATE News:
SANTA FE – New Mexico’s State Canvass Board met today in Santa Fe and unanimously certified the results of the 2026 Primary Election.
“Canvassing is a critical component of the democratic process that helps affirm the security and accuracy of our elections,” said Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver. “Today’s certification of the 2026 Primary Election represents the culmination of all of the hard work of the state’s county clerk offices, poll workers and the staff of the Secretary of State’s Office. Together, we not only had a great election, but we also successfully transitioned Read More
Co-op Showcase Series: Set In Stone June 26
Local cover band, Set In Stone. Courtesy photo
Co-op Summer Showcase Series News:
Set In Stone is a local cover band bringing rock, alternative, and pop classics from the ’70s through the 2000s, from Foo Fighters and Radiohead to driving ’80s synth-rock. Just don’t request “Sweet Caroline.”
Show starts Friday at 5:45 p.m. at Co-op Park at 1010 Central Ave. Vendors are welcome.
County Accepting Applications For Personnel Board
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County is now accepting applications for eligible candidates for appointment to a vacant seat on the Personnel Board. The vacancy is a three-year term, expiring March 31, 2029. Interested Los Alamos County residents who do not hold public office and are not employed by the County may submit an online application by visiting the County’s Boards and Commissions webpage and selecting “apply.” Applications will be accepted until the vacancy is filled.
The Personnel Board, comprising five members, serves in an appellate and advisory capacity in the administration of Read More
Heinrich, Fischer, Welch, Curtis Introduce Legislation To Protect Firefighters From Harmful Chemicals
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and John Curtis (R-Idaho) introduced the Protecting Firefighters and Advancing State-of-the-Art (PFAS) Alternatives Act of 2026, legislation to support the development of next-generation, PFAS-free protective gear to better protect firefighters from the dangers of their work.
Firefighters are exposed to carcinogens when they respond to virtually every type of fire or incident. This includes PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, which can be found in firefighters’ Read More
NM 554 El Rito Bridge Replacement Project Public Meeting June 25
NMDOT News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) invites you to attend the second public meeting regarding the NM 554 El Rito Bridge Replacement Project in El Rito, NM.
The existing bridge is being replaced to improve safety, maintain access, and meet current engineering standards.
Attend the meeting to:
- Receive key updates on the project and planned bridge improvements
- Learn more about cultural and natural resource considerations
- Ask questions and share your input with the project team
Meeting Details:
- Thursday, June 25, 2026
- 6–7:30 p.m.
- Alumni Hall, El Rito Northern
Fire Burning In Jemez Mountains; No Threat To Los Alamos
Location of fire burning this morning in the Jemez Mountains. Courtesy/Watch Duty
COUNTY News:
A fire near Battleship Rock in the Jemez Mountains has been reported this morning and has burned approximately 15 acres. Evacuation orders have been issued for Jemez Falls Campground in the Santa Fe National Forest.
Sandoval Fire is on scene fully suppressing the fire.
Smoke may be visible throughout the day surrounding communities. There is no threat to Los Alamos from this fire.
Use caution if traveling through this area as firefighters may be along N.M. 4.
Further details about the fire can be found Read More
Behavioral Health Reform & Investment Act Executive Committee Special Meeting
COURT News:
The New Mexico Health Care Authority and the Administrative Office of the Courts announce a special meeting from 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Thursday, July 9, of the Executive Committee established under the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act (Senate Bill 3). This Committee oversees the ongoing implementation of SB3 (2025), including statewide coordination, regional planning, and progress toward building a stronger behavioral health system. It brings together leaders from all three branches of government, along with community partners, to support a more responsive and equitable Read More
New Mexico Housing Market Posts Gains In Sales, Prices, & Inventory In May
HOUSING News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico’s housing market remained resilient in May 2026, with home sales, prices, and inventory all posting gains compared to both the previous month and one year ago. Statewide sales reached 1,820 transactions in May, up 6.9% from April and 2.0% from May 2025.
The median sold price rose to $355,000, an increase of 1.4% from April and 1.0% year-over-year, continuing the state’s trend of steady price appreciation. Total sales volume climbed to $786.6 million, up 11.4% from April and 3.9% from May 2025, while the average sale price increased to $432,215, Read More
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Pets Of The Week: Benson And Binx
Splash! That’s the sound of Benson making himself the life of the party. This lovable goof recently showed off his social skills poolside, making friends with every dog he met and proving that his biggest talent—aside from cuddling—is winning over absolutely everyone in sight. Benson is getting ready to be “paw-roled” from our Paws in the Pen program at the Penitentiary of New Mexico, where he’s spent eight weeks polishing his manners, learning new skills, and perfecting his signature full-body cuddle lean. At just 1 year old and 59 pounds, this boxer mix is built for adventures, road trips, Read More
Conservation Groups Move To Stop Destructive Logging On Santa Fe National Forest
WildEarth Guardians News:
SANTA FE — WildEarth Guardians, the Santa Fe Forest Coalition, and the Forest Advocate today filed a notice of intent to sue the Forest Service over Endangered Species Act violations related to increases in logging approved under the Encino Vista Landscape Restoration Project and the Revised Forest Plan.
When the Forest Service finalized its 2022 Revised Forest Plan, it approved a 150% increase in commercial logging over the previous 1986 plan, including in areas identified as not suitable for timber production. Toward this end, the Encino Vista project authorized Read More