Local News

The Ross One Stop service station was a sea of colorful Hawaiian shirts Thursday morning.

That’s because the New Mexico Lottery was holding a celebration for the community’s newest millionaire, Joseph Baca, known for his Hawaiian motif. He recently bought a winning $1 million Powerball ticket at the Ross One Stop.

After standing in a long line to purchase tickets Thursday, some would walk over to Baca and rub their tickets on his shirt for luck.

A collection agency last week started sending letters to Las Vegas utility customers with unpaid bills. That’s resulted in many phone calls and visits to the billing office, an official says.

“People are attempting to make restitution,” said George DuFour, the city’s utilities director. In some cases, he said, the names have been incorrect, problems the billing office has tried to resolve.

City Manager Sharon Caballero said the process has revealed errors, but she complimented DuFour for his handling of such issues.

A body was found in a burned car Thursday north of Mora.

State police say they haven’t identified the body yet because it was burned beyond recognition. They don’t know if the fire was accidental.

The car was found around noon near N.M. Highway 518 in the Holman Hill area.

State police Lt. Craig Martin said Mora sheriff’s deputies first responded and they sought the assistance of state police investigators.

He said the state Office of the Medical Investigator will work to identify the body.

Many city employees will see raises under a union contract approved Wednesday —a deal that both labor and management hailed as a step forward.

The City Council voted for an agreement between the city and Local 2851 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Union officials say the contract means a $1.25-an-hour increase for 86 employees covered by the union.

This agreement comes just weeks after the city approved a contract with the Las Vegas Police Officers Association, which also included salary hikes.