Today's News

A unit of the New Mexico National Guard last week held an exercise with local agencies to prepare for the possibility of a hazardous materials incident.

The 64th Civil Support Team from Rio Rancho supports state and local authorities for manmade and natural disasters and incidents involving weapons of mass destruction and hazardous materials.

A month ago, Alta Vista Regional Hospital closed its doors for a short time to any new admissions, its top official said this week.

Richard Grogan, Alta Vista’s CEO, told the San Miguel County Commission that a lot of people were sick locally and many of the hospital’s employees were calling in sick. He said he closed the hospital to new admissions “until we got to more comfortable levels.”

He said the hospital would have arranged transportation of sick people to other hospitals.

The Police Department has closed its investigation into Robertson High School’s cheerleading coach, who was suspected of “inappropriate” activity.

But Krystle King’s job may still be in jeopardy. She was placed on administrative leave  last month when the allegations became known.

Police Chief Gary Gold said her alleged actions didn’t rise to the level of a crime. Officials haven’t described the nature of the allegations against King.

I am very concerned about the proposed state land office Whites Peak land exchange. Specifically, the integrity of the appraisal process needs to be looked at very closely and I would strongly recommend that the appraisals be verified by a second disinterested party.

Also, I am told that land office commercial properties in the Sandia Science and Technology park and at Mesa del Sol in Albuquerque are being considered as part of this exchange. This is where the appraisals need to be very sound to protect the best interests of the trust.