People & Community

LAPS Community Meeting On Aspen Fencing Project May 27

LAPS News:

Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) will be replacing and updating fencing at Aspen Elementary School this summer. This new fencing will provide added security along the perimeter of the school property.

LAPS will be hosting a community meeting on Zoom from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27. This is an opportunity for community members to provide input on the plans. 

Topic: Aspen Fencing Community Meeting

Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mountain Time (US and Canada) May 27

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5056632222?pwd=9ya3XaLGT3DQAVJyauGbYKcsPQ4QWg.1&omn=89996529279 Read More

Los Alamos Chamber Of Commerce Honors 2026 Business Of The Year Recipients And Nominees

The Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce held its annual Chamber Awards event on May 1 at Duane Smith Auditorium to honor the 2026 Business of the Year recipients, as well as this year’s nominees. Chamber Director Sandy Jones, left, explained to local businesses, ‘Why are we doing this? We want to honor you and your team for the hard work you do all year, and although not everyone can win, everyone can enjoy a nice evening together, and be recognized!’ Here she presents the ‘2026 Community Partner of the Year’ award to Del Norte Credit Union, received here by SVP Eric Baldonado and staff. To see all of the event Read More

LAHS World Language Students Earn New Mexico Bilingualism-Biliteracy State Seal

Students receiving the bilingual seal for French include (back, left to right) Madalyn Baily, Irina Maiorov, James Thomas, Eric Fenimore; (front, left to right) Noelle Judd,, Matthea Fung, Maddalena Mereghetti and Adia Fortin. (Not pictured: Lance Metcalf)

Emily Xu, Ian Sandborgh, Levi Kuykendall, and Malin Eidenbenz completed requirements for the bilingual seal in German. (Not pictured: Helena Welch)

LAPS News:

Twenty-four Los Alamos High School seniors were recognized at a ceremony for earning the New Mexico Bilingualism-Biliteracy State Seal. This seal will be printed on their Read More

Seven LAHS Seniors Sign Onto NMSU eSports Team

Jasmine Heft, Philip Smith, Sirena Quezada, Astra Vigil, Alice Thieme, Mars Brunette, and Freddy Broyles are headed to NMSU after successful high school Esports careers. Courtesy/LAPS 

LAPS News:

Seven members of the Los Alamos High School Secret City Esports team signed letters of intent to attend New Mexico State University as members of their Esports team.

Jasmine Heft, Philip Smith, Sirena Quezada, Astra Vigil, Alice Thieme (previous player), Mars Brunette, and Freddy Broyles are headed to NMSU after successful high school Esports careers.

Jasmine was the captain for Marvel Rivals, Read More

Los Alamos Medical Center Names Michael H. Covert As Chief Executive Officer

Michael H. Covert

LAMC News:

 Los Alamos Medical Center (LAMC) announced that Michael H. Covert, FACHE, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective June 15. Covert will replace Bob Singletary, who has been serving as interim CEO since March.

Covert brings decades of healthcare leadership experience with a strong focus on community access, quality of care, and collaboration with physicians, caregivers, and local partners. He has led hospitals and health systems across the country, helping organizations grow services, strengthen operations and quality, and meet the evolving Read More

LAPS Board Selects Jovita Mowrer, Christa Saenz For 2026 NMSBA Excellence In Students Achievement Awards

This year’s NMSBA Excellence in Student Achievement Award nominees were recognized at the May School Board meeting. Jovita Mowrer (left) and Christa Saenz (not pictured) were selected as the recipients of the 2026 New Mexico School Boards Association (NMSBA) Excellence in Student Achievement Award. Also pictured are Miel Rim, Michelle Rosette, Ashley Schmiedicke, Courtney Smith, Amanda Ferran, Haley Gayner, Reagan Hall, Rebekah Butcher, Minesh Bacrania and Matthew Bohlen; (front, left to right) Alisa Rolfe, Kim Vo and Michela Ombelli. Courtesy photo

LAPS News:

The Los Alamos Public Read More

Ten Los Alamos High School Native American Seniors Recognized At 2026 Sash Ceremony

Ten LAHS Native American students received their 2026 sashes during a Sash Ceremony attended by family, friends, LAPS staff members, tribal representatives and other dignitaries. Pictured with Santa Clara Pueblo/Jicarilla Apache Cris Velarde are Hannah Waldschmidt, Alessandra Valencia, Hailey Duran, Laila Muller, Graeme Martinez, Liliana Griego, James Gurule, Abegail Brown, River Sheppard and Steven Romero. Courtesy/LAPS

Santa Clara Pueblo/Jicarilla Apache Weaver Cris Velarde tells the story of the sash. Courtesy/LAPS

LAPS News:

Ten Los Alamos High School (LAHS) Native American Read More

United Way Northern New Mexico Announces New Executive Director Donna Milanovich

Retiring UWNNM Executive Director Cindy Padilla, left, and incoming Executive Director Donna Milanovich, who has served as the organization’s Director of Corporate & Community Engagement for the last three years, pose for a photo at the annual Appreciation Dinner on May 14 at Fuller Lodge. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

A crowd gathers for the 2026 Donor Appreciation Dinner held on May 14 at Fuller Lodge. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Aamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com

The United Way of Northern New Mexico (UWNNM) Board of Directors has Read More

County Opens Online Platform For Local Businesses

A screenshot of the Visit Los Alamos homepage. Courtesy/LAC

By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com

In February, Los Alamos County hit the button to make the business and events directories on the Los Alamos County website as well as Visit Los Alamos website go live, providing a platform for local businesses and nonprofits to promote themselves and events at no charge.

Economic Development Project Manager Anita Barela said there are 71 businesses registered on the site, but hopefully more will take advantage of the opportunity.

“We have this great thing for people Read More

Cathy D’Anna Retires As DPU PR Manager

Department of Public Utilities Public Relations Manager Cathy D’Anna retired May 19 after 20 years of service to Los Alamos County. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com

Working for a public utility company was never something Cathy D’Anna planned to do; but pivoting in her job led to a career she said she has loved.

Now, after four-and-a-half years working as the Los Alamos County Department of Public Utilities’ (DPU) Public Relations Manager, D’Anna retired on May 19. DPU Conservation Coordinator Abbey Hayward has taken Read More

ACT Announces Temporary Service Suspensions

COUNTY News:

          • Routes 2M and Peak Service on Route 6 and 1 will be suspended beginning Monday June 1

Due to a staff shortage, Atomic City Transit (ACT) will suspend operations of Route 2M and certain peak service trips on Routes 6 and 1 beginning Monday, June 1, 2026, until further notice. The County apologizes for the inconvenience and appreciates its riders’ understanding during this time.

Transit Manager James Barela indicated that this decision was not made lightly.

“Suspending these services is a difficult decision because we understand how important and widely used they are by our residents,” Read More

County Addresses Pedestrian Concerns Along Central

One five on-street parking spaces located near crosswalks between 15th Street and 20th Street that have been removed through placement of yellow diagonal/crosshatch markings and yellow curb to indicate parking prohibition, due to concerns expressed about pedestrian safety. Courtesy/LAC

Another of the five on-street parking spaces located near crosswalks between 15th Street and 20th Street along Central Avenue has been removed through placement of yellow diagonal/crosshatch markings and yellow curb to indicate parking prohibition, due to concerns expressed about pedestrian safety. Read More

Specter Endorses Steven Lynne For County Council

By ELLEN SPECTER
Los Alamos

I wholeheartedly endorse Steven Lynne for County Council and urge you to join me in voting for him in the primary which is currently underway.

I have known Steven for over 25 years. When I served on the School Board 2017-2026, we worked together regularly to discuss and collaborate on joint LAPS-Los Alamos County projects and issues of common concern. 

Steven is the epitome of a servant leader who wants to continue to contribute to the wellbeing of our community. He embodies honesty, integrity and thoughtfulness. I admire Steven’s calm decision making process, which Read More

Piñon Splash Pad Opening Tomorrow For 2026 Season 

Piñon Splash Pad in White Rock. Courtesy/LAC

COUNTY News: 

Los Alamos County Parks and Open Space Division has announced the Piñon Splash Pad at 10 Sherwood Blvd. in White Rock will open for the season at 10 a.m., Friday, May 22.  

The Splash Pad is operational 10 a.m.–7 p.m., seven days a week, and is scheduled to be open through Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1, 2026.  

Adult supervision is recommended for the Splash Pad area, as this is an unsupervised facility. Athletic or similar equipment is not allowed, and animals are prohibited. Those using the facility are asked not to climb on the water features Read More

Rising Stars Of Chamber Music: Isidore String Quartet To Perform In Los Alamos June 6

LACA News:

The Los Alamos Concert Association (LACA) is thrilled to welcome the Isidore String Quartet to the Duane Smith Auditorium at 3 p.m., Saturday, June 6, 2026.

Winners of a 2023 Avery Fisher Career Grant and the 14th Banff International String Quartet Competition, the New York City-based ensemble is recognized as one of the most gifted young quartets performing today. Violinist Phoenix Avalon is originally from Santa Fe and performs alongside Adrian Steele (violin), Devin Moore (viola), and Joshua McClendon (cello).

Formed in 2019 at the Juilliard School, the quartet has quickly Read More

County Offices To Close May 25 For Memorial Day

COUNTY News:

In observance of Memorial Day, some Los Alamos County government offices and services will close or have modified hours Monday, May 25, 2026. 

The County’s administrative offices, Atomic City Transit fixed bus routes, and the Environmental Services division are closed on Monday.

In addition, the following facilities will close or have modified hours:

Read More

Los Alamos Public Schools Honor Employees Of The Year

LAPS 2026 Teacher of the Year Beth Combs (left) receives her award from LAPS Foundation representative Suzanne Lynne. Anesia Cope presented gift certificates for Glisten Skin and Beauty Bar to award recipients. Photos by Joyce Haven

LAPS News:

Los Alamos Public Schools is pleased to announce that Beth Combs has been selected 2026 LAPS Teacher of the Year. Claire Schappert has been selected as the 2026 LAPS Classified Employee of the Year.

Ms. Combs is a 3rd grade teacher at Aspen Elementary School and has been teaching for LAPS for nine years. Ms. Schappert is an educational assistant at Piñon Read More

Governor Declares Statewide Drought And Severe Fire Conditions As New Mexico’s Snowpack Hits Historic Low

From the Office of the Governor:

SANTA FE— Amid the worst drought conditions on record, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has declared drought and severe fire conditions statewide and directed state agencies to take coordinated action to ensure communities receive timely information, technical assistance and resources as needed.

New Mexico’s snowpack is at a historic low while spring temperatures have soared to record highs, a potentially dangerous combination that has resulted in record low runoff and below average river flows throughout the state.

“New Mexico is experiencing Read More

Pets Of The Week: Meet Betty And Mia

Meet Best in Show Betty! At 9 years old, going on two, Betty will be the star of the Española Humane PetSmart ‘Adopt Joy’ event from noon to 3 p.m. this Friday in Santa Fe. For the past few weeks, Betty has been shining in the Española Humane Fosters in the Pen program at the Penitentiary of New Mexico, learning leash skills, polishing her manners, and mastering cues with her dedicated inmate foster. She’s crate trained, house trained, loves people, and enjoys other dogs. Whip-smart, full of personality, and still packed with sparkle, Betty is the complete package. Her entire incarcerated foster Read More

Search
LOS ALAMOS

ladailypost.com website support locally by OviNuppi Systems