County

Taylor Endorses Reelection Of Melanee Hand For County Council

By TONI TAYLOR
Los Alamos

I enthusiastically support Melanee Hand to serve a second term on the Los Alamos County Council. I encourage Los Alamos citizens to vote for her in the upcoming election.

Melanee has been a positive force on the County Council, advocating for environmental sustainability and conservation, wildlife and animal welfare, recreational opportunities, and small businesses. She has facilitated communication between residents and the County and fostered collaboration with neighboring communities.

However, I want to focus on my personal interactions with Melanee Read More

Scenes From 2026 Senior Appreciation Night

Scene from The Family YMCA’s 2026 Senior Appreciation Night (SAN) event Saturday in downtown Los Alamos. Los Alamos High School (LAHS) seniors were invited to celebrate a night dedicated just for them, starting at Fuller Lodge. This special annual event honored graduating seniors with an evening full of fun, community, and celebration. Attendees enjoyed activities throughout the night and had the opportunity to be entered into a raffle featuring a variety of exciting prizes. Organizers encouraged all seniors in the community to attend and take part in this memorable send-off as they prepare

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Canceled: May 27 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting

COUNTY News:

The application (ZCA-2026-0019) legally noticed for Text Amendment of the Los Alamos Development Code, Article V, has been postponed and will be re-noticed for June 24, 2026.

No other applications were submitted for consideration.

Therefore, the May 27, 2026, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting is officially canceled. Read More

Pongratz: I’m Voting For Steve Lynne For County Council

County Council candidate Steve Lynne, left, with former Councilor Morrie Pongratz. Courtesy photo

By MORRIE PONGRATZ 
Former Los Alamos County Councilor

There are some good candidates from both parties running for County Council. As an independent (DTS) voter, I plan to ask for a Democrat ballot and vote for Steve Lynne, the candidate I have known and worked with for decades.

I worked with Steve when I was on Council and when we were on the Charter Review Committee. As a former Chief Financial Officer and County Manager, Steve has served our county well and is the most knowledgeable of the candidates. Read More

Mesa Public Library Main Parking Reopens For Two Weeks

COUNTY News:

With the ongoing primary election and start of the summer concert series, the decision was made to postpone the construction of the new EV chargers at Mesa Public Library for two weeks.

Patrons of the library and anyone else visiting downtown can once again park in the main parking lot or drive up to the library and election ballot drop boxes. For those who don’t take advantage of the extended ACT bus service to attend tomorrow’s concert, this parking lot will be available.

Construction will resume on Monday, June 8, 2026, so all vehicles will need to be removed by the evening of Sunday, Read More

NM-502 Centerline Rumble Strip Project To Begin Tuesday

Map of the area along NM-502 where the Centerline Rumble Strip Project will begin Tuesday. Courtesy/LAC

COUNTY News:

The Los Alamos County Public Works Department, in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) and under contract with San Bar Construction, announces installation of centerline rumble strips on NM-502 beginning Tuesday, May 26. Work will continue until the end of the week.

Work hours will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily until completion. Work will take place during off-peak traffic hours to reduce impact on the traveling public.

The project consists of installing Read More

Rose Endorses Melanee Hand’s Re-election To Council

By EVAN ROSE
Los Alamos

My family moved to rural Santa Fe in 1986 so that I could work at LANL on a laser fusion project. I met Melanee Hand through a co-worker. At the time, they lived in Sierra Los Pinos. Our children were about the same age, and we would get together socially.

Eventually, both families moved to Los Alamos. Long commutes with children are difficult. Both families gained an appreciation for the high quality of Los Alamos schools and the ongoing difficulties of finding modern and affordable housing. Both families gained an appreciation for living in safe communities with constructive Read More

Los Alamos Federated Republican Women Donates To LAPD

In recognition of National Law Enforcement Month, Los Alamos Federated Republican Women LAFRW) recently dropped off snacks for the Los Alamos Police Department. Here, Police Chief Dino Sgambellone accepts the donation from LAFRW members, from left, Linda Bullock, Mary Wilhoit, Trish Garnish, Dianne Coane and Valerie Fox. Courtesy/LAFRW Read More

County To Host Community Meeting On Mesa Trail Improvements June 24

COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County invites community members to attend the second community engagement session for the Los Alamos Mesa Trail Rehabilitation Project at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 24, at Fuller Lodge.

This initiative focuses on creating a safer, more accessible, and welcoming trail experience for users of all abilities. The project will rehabilitate approximately 2,500 linear feet of the Los Alamos Mesa Trail to bring it into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG). Planned improvements include Read More

County Website Improvements Begin This Month

Screenshot of new County website homepage. Courtesy photo

COUNTY News:

Starting this month, Los Alamos County is rolling out a series of improvements to the County website to make the site the digital hub of County information.

As of May 21, there is a new design for the website with all information categorized under five main topics: Community, Business, Visit, Government, and Services. Over the next couple of months, the pages under those topics will be organized to make it easier to navigate.

The fresh new homepage highlights County news and events, as well as timely information on the strategic Read More