State

Study: Los Alamos County Residents Receive Among Highest Social Security Payments In New Mexico

September 10, 2018 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

SMART ASSET News:

According to research from SmartAsset, a financial technology company, Los Alamos County residents are receiving among the highest-annual Social Security payments in New Mexico.

Check out the table below to see how the top counties in New Mexico stacked up:

Rank	County	Cost of Living	Annual Social Security	Social Security Taxed?	Annual Social Security Index
1	Los Alamos, NM	$19,722	$20,798	Yes	82.20
2	Lincoln, NM	$18,750	$18,908	Yes	71.18
3	Sandoval, NM	$19,218	$18,503	Yes	68.82
4	Catron, NM	$18,606	$18,291	Yes	67.59
5	Santa Fe, NM	$22,206	$18,171	Yes

Both Navajo Nation Presidential Candidates Endorse Lujan Grisham & Morales For Governor & Lt. Governor

September 10, 2018 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

POLITICAL News:

WINDOW ROCK, AZ ― In an unprecedented move, both Navajo Nation presidential candidates endorsed the same candidates for New Mexico governor and lt. governor stating their future administrations need Michelle Lujan Grisham and Howie Morales as partners at the helm of New Mexico state government.

Lujan Grisham and Morales are thankful for the endorsements and remain committed to working closely with the Nation to ensure the safety, prosperity, and improved quality of life for all Navajo people.

“We need to get out there and let our folks and our relatives

NMSP Probe Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office Shooting

September 10, 2018 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

NMSP News:

Deputies with the Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office (RASO) were involved in a police shooting Aug. 24. The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was contacted to investigate this shooting incident.

The investigation indicates that around 1 a.m., Aug. 24, RASO received a call about a fight in progress at the Jemez Electric Company on US 84/285 in Rio Arriba County. RASO deputies responded to Jemez Electric and found no sign of a fight in progress. Further investigation led deputies to a residence on County Road 1 in Hernandez. When deputies arrived in the area they heard what Read More

Supreme Court Rules Employer Must Pay Attorney Fees

September 10, 2018 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

SUPREME COURT News:

SANTA FE ― The State Supreme Court has ruled that a Hobbs man’s employer must pay all of his attorney fees in a workers’ compensation dispute stemming from an accident when he was driving a truck hauling brine water to a drilling rig site.

In a 4-1 decision, the state’s highest court reversed a decision of a Workers’ Compensation Administration judge that had ordered the worker, Casey Baker, to pay half of the $42,925 in attorney fees awarded in the case. The other half is to be paid by Baker’s employer, Endeavor Services Inc. and Great West Casualty Company,

State GOP Issues Statement On Rosh Hashanah

September 10, 2018 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

RPNM News:

ALBUQUERQUE — Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Ryan Cangiolosi released the following statement on Rosh Hashanah:

Rosh Hashanah marks a very special time for our friends in the Jewish community. It is a time to reflect and celebrate the year ahead. We hope this year is filled with joy, peace and prosperity. We extend warm wishes to our friends in Israel, who will always share a special relationship with New Mexico and the United States. Shanah Tovah to all. Read More

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich Passes Critical Bipartisan Legislation To Protect Sagebrush Habitat

September 9, 2018 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 7, 2018) – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) announced the passage of the Sage-Grouse and Mule Deer Habitat Conservation and Restoration Act by unanimous consent in the Senate. He introduced the bipartisan legislation with U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) to streamline scientifically-recognized vegetation management projects to conserve or restore the habitat of the sage-grouse and mule deer, and reduce the risk of catastrophic Read More

Luján, Bishop Lead Effort To Support Beginning, Veteran, Socially Disadvantaged Farmers And Ranchers

September 9, 2018 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján

U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. ― U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Congressman Sanford Bishop (D-GA) have sent a bipartisan letter to House Agriculture Committee leadership requesting the creation of a new Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach (FOTO) program.

The FOTO program, which was included in the Senate version of the Farm Bill, would combine the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) and the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers

Walmart Associates In NM Share $1.6 Million In Bonuses

September 9, 2018 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

WALMART News:

ALBUQUERQUE ― Thursday more than 915,000 Walmart U.S. associates across the country are receiving a share of more than $200 million in cash bonuses based on their stores’ Q2 performance.

The bonuses are included in associates’ Sept. 6 paycheck.

Walmart associates earn quarterly bonuses as part of an overall incentive plan designed to reward associates whose stores achieve sales and customer service goals. In total, hourly associates in New Mexico earned more than $1.6 million in Q2 bonuses. These bonuses come on the heels of the best performance for Walmart

Santa Fe Botanical Garden Equinox Celebration Sept. 22

September 8, 2018 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

SFBG News:

The Santa Fe Botanical Garden provides more than 13,000 student engagements through educational programming and classes each year.

Through these programs, Northern New Mexico children and youth learn about the unique ecosystem and its challenges and discover the wonderful world of nature.

The community is invited to attend a festive fundraiser to support the Santa Fe Botanical Garden and its commitment to education and community service. The evening will feature live and silent auctions, signature cocktail by KGB Spirits, seated dinner, live music and more.

Balderas Announces Supreme Court Victory: Mother Accused Of Prostituting 7-Year Old Daughter Will Remain In Custody

September 8, 2018 by Submitted by Carol A. Clark

Attorney General Hector Balderas

AG News:

ALBUQUERQUE ― New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas announced Thursday that the New Mexico Supreme Court declined to review the Court of Appeals decision to uphold the District Court decision to hold Teri Lee Sanchez in custody until trial, without bond.

Her co-defendant, James Stewart, also is being held without bond pending trial.

“I am grateful for the Supreme Court’s denial of review, which makes our state safer for child trafficking victims,” Balderas said. “The Office of the Attorney General stands by its