Balloons On Trail Art Lifting Spirits Around Los Alamos
Trail art is lifting spirits all over Los Alamos including these colorful balloons painted on a stone spotted recently on the Canada del Buey Trail in White Rock. Photo by Ted Reed Read More
Chart 94: COVID-19 In New Mexico June 16
Percentages of people diagnosed with COVID-19 who are recovered or deceased by county. The complementary percentage is labeled as infected. Statewide, the percentages of recovered and deceased are 42 percent and 5 percent respectively. Mora and De Baca counties have zero diagnoses. In Los Alamos, five of the seven diagnosed have now recovered. Created by Eli Ben-Naim
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Obituary: Kurt E. Nielsen April 29, 1937 – May 12, 2020
KURT EFRAIM NIELSEN April 29, 1937 – May 12, 2020
Kurt was born the son of immigrants from Denmark and Sweden, Ejnar and Karin Nielsen, on April 29, 1937.
Kurt, and his brother Ken, grew up on a farm in Long Island, New York. Kurt would get up at 5 AM every day, a lifelong habit, to help with the crops and animals.
Kurt’s father died at the age of 44, when Kurt was just 16, and the family farm was sold.
Kurt earned a scholarship and went to the New York State Teachers College (now State University of New York) in Albany. Kurt graduated with a BS in Physics in 1959, and an MS in Physics in 1960. While in Albany, Kurt Read More
County Mud Volleyball Event Moved To July 25
Annual Mud Volleyball Tournament rescheduled to July 25. File photo
COUNTY News:
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Los Alamos County Recreation Department has rescheduled the Mud Volleyball Tournament to July 25.
This annual event was originally scheduled for June, however, after some research and careful consideration, the recreation department hopes to see 10 teams of at least six players register and be ready to get dirty in July.
Check out the Los Alamos County Recreation Program and Events page for updates: https://losalamosnm.us/government/departments/community_services/parks_recreation_and_open_spaces/programs Read More
Los Alamos County Assessor’s Office Open For Business
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Assessor’s Office is now open for in-person business as part of taking the next steps in exiting the pandemic emergency.
This is in alignment with the directives issued from the Governor’s Office and Los Alamos County.
The Assessor’s Office will continue to adhere to COVID Safe Practices (CSP) and will require the use of face masks, six feet or more of social distancing, plexiglass at public facing counters, and limiting the number of people in the lobby area.
Residents are highly encouraged to stay safe by conducting business remotely via computer or phone Read More
Española YMCA Teen Center Reopens Wednesday

Española YMCA Teen Center News:
In compliance with the governor’s guidance on reopening summer youth programs, the Española YMCA Teen Center (EYTC) will resume operations at noon Wednesday, June 17, in a modified format and with shortened hours,12-6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
In order to minimize risk, EYTC will reopen to current members only for the time being, and require that all parents/guardians sign an acknowledgment and assumption of risk of COVID-19 before youth may enter, Center Director Ben Sandoval said.
Sandoval said that youth’s temperature will be taken upon arrival Read More
2020 Tuesdays At The Pond Kicks Off Virtually Tonight

Los Alamos Creative District News:
It’s time to kickoff the Tuesdays at the Pond music series.
Join The Los Alamos Creative District tonight, June 16, for the kickoff of the 2020 Tuesdays at the Pond summer music performance series.
This year all performances will be virtual, and available for viewing by streaming YouTube videos through the Creative District website, www.CreativeLosAlamos.com or through the Facebook page CreativeLosAlamos.
Each performance will become available for viewing, 5-7 p.m., on the date scheduled below:
- June 16 – Los Alamos Jazz Project –
2019 Report Results Demonstrate Excellent Water Quality Throughout Los Alamos County

COUNTY News:
Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities announced today that results published in the 2019 drinking water quality report demonstrate excellent water quality throughout Los Alamos County.
The report covers the period of January through December 2019 and highlights the department’s commitment to providing drinking water that is better than standards required by the state and federal agencies.
The water quality report details drinking water source information, how the county’s water is protected and test results, including all substances and levels of substances detected Read More
Letter To The Editor: Concerns For Both Community And Police Department To Understand
A Concerned Parent
Los Alamos
Editor’s note: Due to the sensitive nature of this letter, and its inclusion of a minor, the author requested their name be withheld.
A few months ago, I was contacted by the Los Alamos Police Department to inform me that they were responding to an anonymous tip and wanted to check on the welfare of my teenage daughter.
While I commend the police department for reaching out and asking about the situation prior to their arrival, I do have some concerns that are pertinent for both the community and the police department to understand.
Following our conversation, two armed Read More
New Mexico Governor Urges Local Restrictions On Fireworks
The governor urges New Mexico cities and counties to consider banning retail sales of fireworks. Courtesy photo
State News:
- Executive order cites heightened fire danger due to drought conditions
SANTA FE – Due to worsening drought conditions across New Mexico, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed an executive order urging New Mexico cities and counties to consider banning the retail sale of fireworks in the state through the summer or until drought conditions improve.
Approximately 75 percent of New Mexico is abnormally dry; more than half the state is experiencing at least moderate Read More
FBI: Craig M. Young Sentenced To 71 Months In Prison In $11 Million Ayudando Guardians Financial Fraud Scheme
FBI News:
ALBUQUERQUE — A federal judge in Santa Fe, New Mexico sentenced Craig M. Young, 55, of Albuquerque to 71 months in federal prison Monday for conspiracy and conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with the operation of Ayudando Guardians, Inc., a non-profit corporation based in Albuquerque that previously provided guardianship, conservatorship, and financial management to hundreds of people with special needs.
Young pleaded guilty Nov. 12, 2019. In his plea agreement, he admitted committing these crimes while employed as a guardian for Ayudando.
Young used a business Read More
Community Invited To Take Virtual Helicopter Ride With Classic Air Medical At Summer Family Evening Wednesday
Join PEEC and Classic Air Medical for a virtual Summer Family Evening event. The live-stream will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 17 and registration is required. Del Norte Credit Union is sponsoring this and all of PEEC’s Summer Family Evening events in 2020. Courtesy/PEEC
PEEC News:
The community is invited to take a virtual helicopter ride with Classic Air Medical at PEEC’s Summer Family Evening.
This live-streamed event is 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 17. Participants will learn about the important work that Classic Air Medical does as an air medical transfer service. Del Norte Credit Union Read More
Regional Coalition Of LANL Communities Meets Friday
RCLC News:
Due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, and upon consultation with legal counsel, Regional Coalition of LANL Communities Chairman Henry Roybal has directed that the June 19, 2020 RCLC board meeting be conducted electronically via the electronic media application Zoom.
In accordance with Open Meetings Act guidelines publicized by the New Mexico Attorney General, RCLC board members and members of the public wishing to attend may participate via Zoom, by linking to the following URL address, or by calling the conference call line listed below:
- Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/7487396057
Los Alamos Preseason Practice Gets Underway
As preseason practice gets underway Monday morning, Los Alamos High School Head Football Coach Garett Williams screens each player this morning before they can participate in the preseason workouts. This safety precaution applies to all sports in preseason workouts and the participants must follow social distancing while practicing. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Head Football Coach Garett Williams leads his players Monday morning in workout routines. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
LAHS Girls Head Wrestling Coach Emily Tew shows the preseason wrestlers maneuvers Read More
New Mexico Governor Announces Film Council Members
James D. Gollin
STATE News:
SANTA FE – A panel of experts and industry leaders have been appointed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham as members of the Governor’s Council on Film and Media Industries, Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes announced today.
James D. Gollin will serves as Council Chair and work with Gov. Lujan Grisham, Secretary Keyes, and New Mexico Film Office Director Amber Dodson and her staff, to reinvent the role of the Film Council, helping to ensure New Mexico sustains the industry’s growth and create higher-paying jobs.
“The growth of New Read More
Zia Credit Union: Divino Live In Concert On Facebook June 19

ZIA CU presents Divino in a virtual concert live on Facebook 7-8 p.m. Friday, June 19. Courtesy/ZIACU
ZIA Credit Union News:
One thing is for certain, this summer’s activities will look a lot different than they have in the past. When Zia Credit Union realized that due to the ongoing COVID gathering restrictions it wouldn’t be able to hold its annual Summer Music Fest in Española or sponsor an evening during the Los Alamos Summer Concert Series, it decided to try something new.
The result is a virtual concert live on Facebook 7-8 p.m. Friday, June 19. The concert will feature Divino, a Northern New Read More
NMDWS: Work Search Waiver Scheduled To End July 18
NMDWS News:
ALBUQUERQUE — In March, the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) waived the work search requirements for Unemployment Insurance claimants who had lost their job or had hours reduced as a result of COVID-19.
This waiver will end July 18, 2020.
Claimants receiving benefits will be required to verify that at least two work searches occurred each week when submitting their certification. In upcoming weeks, NMDWS in coordination with New Mexico Workforce Connection offices, will be providing guidance, training, and workshop options to claimants that will satisfy Read More
New Mexico Supreme Court Oral Argument In Legislative Special Session Case About Public Access 1:30 P.M. Today

New Mexico Supreme Court hears oral argument at 1:30 p.m. today in a case concerning public access to the Capitol during this week’s legislative special session. Courtesy/NMSC
From the Administrative Office of the Courts:
SANTA FE – A live stream is available today of the New Mexico Supreme Court oral argument in a case concerning public access to the Capitol during this week’s legislative special session.
The hearing begins at 1:30 p.m. and can be viewed on the YouTube channel of New Mexico PBS. Click here.
The case is Pirtle v. Legislative Council, No. S-1-SC-38356. Read More
DNCU Awards Scholarships To 10 Graduating Seniors

DNCU News:
- In its 20th year of awarding scholarships, DNCU assists students during a time of uncertainty.
SANTA FE—Del Norte Credit Union (DNCU), New Mexico’s hometown financial cooperative, is proud to announce the 10 recipients of the DNCU Scholarship program for the 2020-21 school year.
Each finalist will receive $1,000 toward their higher education goals – a college or vocational school of their choice.
“The scholarship program at DNCU was created to inspire younger generations to reach their full potential and we are honored to present these exemplary students with scholarships,” Read More
NM GOP Lawmakers Advocate Different Plan For Budget Fix
Minority Whip Rod Montoya
By JENS GOULD
Santa Fe New Mexican
New Mexico House Republicans presented a starkly different plan for fixing the state budget Monday, calling for lower spending levels than the governor and a key legislative panel have proposed.
Minority Whip Rod Montoya said the state shouldn’t use federal stimulus funding to help mend its huge budget shortfall during the upcoming special session because the U.S. government hasn’t approved the use of those funds for that purpose.
“If we do pass this budget in the next several days with that in place, we will have passed an illegal Read More