'One life lost out there is one too many': Taos leaders discuss safety of Gorge Bridge - Albuquerque news - NewsLocker (2024)

TAOS COUNTY, N.M.(KRQE) –It's been a conversation in northern New Mexico for years. Now, after another apparent suicide this week at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge near Taos, community leaders said there is a dire need to find a solution to help save lives.“One life lost out there is one too many. It weighs heavy on the community as a whole,” said Taos County Commissioner Darlene Vigil.It's a tourist destination, but it also has a dark history.
"The Gorge Bridge is def

Error found in Albuquerque City Council law concerning city-sanctioned demolitions

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) – Albuquerque changed the rules earlier this year making it easier to tear down problem properties; but an error in the wording of that ordinance now has Albuquerque City Councilors scrambling to make a fix. Councilors missed one crucial line in the ordinance about how people can appeal city-sanctioned demolitions.Story continues below
Wildfire: Latest on South Fork Fire near Ruidoso; evacuations ordered
Wildfire: Latest on Salt Burn Fire on Mescalero Apache R

Showers and storms cause flooding concerns into the weekend

Showers and storms will continue into the overnight hour, but most will end by early Saturday morning. Drier air starts moving in this weekend as an area of high pressure sets up over the state starting Saturday. Isolated storms will still develop across New Mexico Saturday and Sunday afternoons, but the rain will be more hit-or-miss. Still, these storms could produce locally heavy rainfall. Temperatures will be warming through the weekend too, back to around normal for this time of year on Sund

37th annual Albuquerque Flamenco Festival underway

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) – Friday marked the first day of the 37th annual Flamenco Festival in Albuquerque. The event is the oldest flamenco festival outside of Spain. This year's festival will include 20 performances and over 60 workshops.‘Windforms’ mural coming to Bernalillo County building in Alvarado Square13 performance companies based around the world are also scheduled to perform. The festival will go through next Saturday at the National Hispanic Cultural Center

Advertisem*nt

Jackson Dubois signs professional soccer contract with New Mexico United

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) – Jackson Dubois had a hunch that this would be the year he would make the transition from New Mexico United Academy to the professional team. The former La Cueva High School standout was right.
"At the beginning of this season, when they invited me for preseason, I knew I had a shot and really wanted to go for it," said Dubois. Even with that said, Dubois received the news of his promotion somewhat surprised. "Shocked, I was just happy honestly," said Dubois.

FBI joins investigation into cause of fires near Ruidoso

RUIDOSO, N.M.(KRQE) – The cause of the South Fork and Salt Fires have not yet been identified and now the FBI is stepping in to help investigate. The FBI said its agents are assisting local, state, and tribal agencies in the investigation into both fires.South Fork, Salt fires add to a long history of fires near RuidosoPresident Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration on Thursday unlocking federal resources to fight those fires.

Officials evacuate parts of Las Vegas due to flooding

LAS VEGAS, N.M.(KRQE) – A flash flood emergency has been issued for Las Vegas, New Mexico and Romeroville until 10 p.m. on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. The NWS says one to four inches of rain have fallen in the area including the southern part of the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon burn scar. The City of Las Vegas is opening two shelters for the community as residents are asked to evacuate parts of the city.
Evacuations:
Homes south of Mile marker 4 on New Mexico Highw

Flooding and flames: Disaster continues to impact Ruidoso-area officials, residents

RUIDOSO, N.M.(KRQE) – For the third day, the rains have kept the South Fork and Salt fires from significantly growing.However, Flash Flood Warnings emerged alongside the rain, further delaying the return to town for anxious residents.At a fire station in town, crews have set up shop. Rain has been falling all day, and some evacuees are just starting to learn what Thursday's rain did.GALLERY: Viewer photos, videos of South Fork Fire, Salt FireBarry Moffitt evacuated from the village

Advertisem*nt

South Fork, Salt fires add to a long history of fires near Ruidoso

RUIDOSO, N.M.(KRQE) –As crews battle the South Fork and Salt fires near Ruidoso, New Mexico, long-time residents know this isn't the first time the community has been impacted. Some even say they just finished unpacking their go-bags from the Blue 2 fire when the latest fires hit.KRQE News 13 spoke with Colin Hood, the owner of Alto Ski Shop. "I've owned it since October of 2021. And since then, I've gone through three wildfires," Hood says. "We just got over the Blue 2 fire a

Durango residents push to make Animas View Drive safer

DURANGO, Colo.(KRQE) – After a deadly crash on a narrow and well-traveled Durango road, neighbors are calling on the city to act. Those neighbors brought in experts to try to make things safer. "Animas View Drive used to be the highway,” said Chuck Marohn, President and Founder of Strong Towns, an advocacy group.Story continues below
Wildfire: Latest on South Fork Fire near Ruidoso; evacuations ordered
Wildfire: Latest on Salt Burn Fire on Mescalero Apache Reservation
Wildfire:

Bernco tiny home village at 100% capacity,

BERNALILLO COUNTY, N.M.(KRQE) – Bernalillo County says its tiny home village has now reached full capacity. The county opened the 30-unit village in February 2021 to provide transitional housing and support for the homeless.Bernalillo County commissioners one step closer to picking new county managerIt struggled for years to get residents, but the county revamped its rule on sobriety, waived the $30 monthly utility fee, and ended its 24-7 village resident volunteer requirement. Resi

Showers and storms continue to push through New Mexico

Scattered showers and a few thunderstorms will continue across New Mexico this evening. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for parts of northwest New Mexico. Storms are capable of locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds, along with hail.Showers and storms will continue into the overnight hour, but most will end by early Saturday morning. Drier air starts moving in this weekend as an area of high pressure sets up over the state starting Saturday. Isolated storms will still develop across New

'It's just gone in moments': Evacuees speak about the destruction of Ruidoso fires

RUIDOSO, N.M.(KRQE) –It's been five days since the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire began and evacuees are wondering what comes next. Thousands fled to Roswell where centers are still asking for the community's support.
Dozens of volunteer staff continue to sort through clothes and toiletries people have sent in. Some evacuees say the community's support has given them strength when they've lost so much. "It was hard to think about, everything that we had just built up because we

Santa Fe Animal Shelter sets June adoption goal

SANTA FE, N.M.(KRQE) – The Santa Fe Animal Shelter wants to get 85 animals adopted by the end of the month to celebrate their 85th anniversary. You can adopt any puppy or kitten for only $8 and adult pets are only $5.Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department debuts shelter data dashboardThese prices are set through June 30 when they're holding a special event. From 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., they'll have music, food, games, and more at their location on Caja Del Rio Road. Liberty Ranch is

APD releases data on 7 police shootings from 2023

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) –The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) has released details on seven shootings that happened during the latter half of 2023. They say two of the seven suspects shot at police.“We noted trends that need to be addressed, including the high number of foot pursuits that resulted in shootings,” Chief Harold Medina said in a press release. “We started work on a new policy that considers the potential threat caused by the fleeing suspect, wh

Verdict reached in case against New Mexico man charged under Bennie's Law

NEW MEXICO(KRQE) – A verdict was reached in the landmark trial for the first New Mexico parent charged under Bennie’s Law. Questa father William Brown was charged with negligently making a firearm accessible to a minor.
After nearly two hours of deliberation on Friday, the jury found Brown not guillty.Bennie's Law was enacted in 2023 and holds gun owners accountable when a minor uses their weapon to hurt or threaten someone.Throughout the case, the prosecution argued that Brown

New Mexico National Guard hosts summer challenge program for kids

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) –More than 30 middle school students in Albuquerque got a great workout participating in a new challenge court hosted by the National Guard. The governor's Summer Challenge pilot program is an improvement from last year's event.‘Windforms’ mural coming to Bernalillo County building in Alvarado Square"It's an expansion of her summer literacy program. So we've been working with the kids for the last two weeks, improving their literacy skills&he

'Windforms' mural coming to Bernalillo County building in Alvarado Square

BERNALILLO COUNTY, N.M.(KRQE)-- A mural will soon decorate the side of Bernalillo County's headquarters. The building is located in Alvarado Square.
The mural is called "Windforms" and was created by Ivan Toth Depeña. It depicts colorful lines that hint at the hues found within the metro.Two New Mexico chefs compete on Food Network’s ‘Chopped’The design was chosen by a local committee, the arts board, and the county's commission. A total of $200,000 is budget

El Pasoan goes viral for his efforts to help move horses out of Ruidoso, is now transporting donations up north

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — William Molinar received a call on Monday night, June 17 from people in the Ruidoso Downs Race Track who needed help evacuating thousands of horses from the area that was in danger of the flames from the South Fork Fire.Wildfire ResourcesHere’s how to donate to victims of fires in Ruidoso areaLatest Video ForecastLatest on South Fork Fire
Latest on Salt Fire
Fire Evacuations: What you need to know
An El Paso horse trainer and cowboy, Molinar, sprang into actio

LIVE: APD holds press conference on Central and Mesilla officer-involved shooting

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) – On Friday at 3:00 p.m., the Albuquerque Police Department will be holding a press conference to release details on an officer-involved shooting that happened on May 16, at 130 Mesilla St. NE. The press conference will be streamed on this page.Police say around 9:00 p.m. near Central and Mesilla, an officer approached a suspect on the sidewalk when drugs fell out of the man's pocket. The suspect, later identified as Joey White, then fled on foot and the offic

APD to hold press conference on Central and Mesilla officer-involved shooting

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) – On Friday at 3:00 p.m., the Albuquerque Police Department will be holding a press conference to release details on an officer-involved shooting that happened on May 16, at 130 Mesilla St. NE. The press conference will be streamed on this page.Police say around 9:00 p.m. near Central and Mesilla, an officer approached a suspect on the sidewalk when drugs fell out of the man's pocket. The suspect, later identified as Joey White, then fled on foot and the offic

APD holds press conference on Central and Mesilla officer-involved shooting

Warning: The press conference contains footage with strong language.ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) – On Friday at 3:00 p.m., the Albuquerque Police Department will be holding a press conference to release details on an officer-involved shooting that happened on May 16, at 130 Mesilla St. NE. The press conference is viewable on this page.Police say around 9:00 p.m. near Central and Mesilla, an officer approached a suspect on the sidewalk when drugs fell out of the man's pocket. The suspect,

Civilian resident detained at White Sands Missile Range

WHITE SANDS, N.M. (KRQE)–Federal law enforcement agents detained a civilian who resides at White Sands Missile Range Thursday night, according to the range's public affairs specialist.The man was detained because of comments he allegedly posted on social media. At this time, there are no safety concerns for the White Sands Missile Range installation or the surrounding communities, the official stated in a news release.Story continues below
Wildfire: Latest on South Fork Fire ne

Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office partnering to host gun buyback event

NEW MEXICO(KRQE) – The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office is partnering to host a gun buyback event on Saturday, June 29 at La Mesa Presbyterian Church from 9 - 12 a.m.Two New Mexico chefs compete on Food Network’s ‘Chopped’BCSO is working with the nonprofit New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence for this event. People will be able to safely surrender and unwanted firearms with no questions asked and no information retained. The firearms must be in working condition a

Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office partnering to hold gun buyback event

NEW MEXICO(KRQE) – The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office is partnering to host a gun buyback event on Saturday, June 29 at La Mesa Presbyterian Church from 9 - 12 a.m.Two New Mexico chefs compete on Food Network’s ‘Chopped’BCSO is working with the nonprofit New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence for this event. People will be able to safely surrender and unwanted firearms with no questions asked and no information retained. The firearms must be in working condition a

Flash Flood Warning issued for 3 burn scars, areas near Ruidoso

RUIDOSO DOWNS, N.M.(KRQE) – The burn scars from multiple fires have a Flash Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service. It'll be in effect until 5:30 p.m. Friday.The NWS said floods could happen in the burn scars of the Blue 2 Fire, South Fork Fire, and McBride Fire. Some areas may experience flooding, like Ruidoso, Lincoln, Ruidoso Downs, Fort Stanton, Glencoe, Alto, Lincoln State Monument, San Patricio, Bonito Lake, and Hondo.Wildfire ResourcesHere’s how to donate t

Details released in fatal shooting involving Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office

LAS CRUCES, N.M.(KRQE) – The Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office provided details on a shooting with a deputy that left a suspect dead overnight Wednesday.Former middle school teacher accused of sexually abusing minor in New MexicoOfficials say a man in the middle of a mental health crisis called dispatch and admitted to drinking and driving. The man has been identified as 26-year-old Michael Christopher Goodheart. A DASO deputy located the vehicle near Valley and Lohman and afte

More rain and storms moving through New Mexico today

Showers are moving through New Mexico this morning. More rain and storms will develop this afternoon. A threat for flash flooding continues through late tonight, with drier weather this weekend.Rain has been moving through parts of southern and southeastern New Mexico this morning. Some of this rain has been heavier over the Sacramento Mountains, where a Flash Flood Warning is in effect for the Ruidoso area, with life threatening burn scar flash flooding possible. Scattered showers and a few thu

Former middle school teacher accused of sexually abusing minor in New Mexico

NEW MEXICO(KRQE) – A man has been arrested after allegations of sexual assault. The man was a teacher at Memorial Middle School in Las Vegas, but he hasn't been employed since word of the crime surfaced.
Leonard Romero, 28, has been charged with five counts of criminal sexual penetration of a minor by a school employee, child solicitation by electronic communication device, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.New Mexico man facing 10 years in prison after falsely demanding

New Mexico officials disappointed after U.S. Supreme Court denies plan for Rio Grande water

NEW MEXICO(KRQE) –For decades, Texas and New Mexico have been fighting over legal access to water in the Rio Grande. Recently, the two states reached an agreement on how to share water, but the U.S. Supreme Court has rejected the settlement.The case goes back to 1938, when Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico agreed to the Rio Grande Compact, which requires New Mexico to allow a certain volume of water to reach Elephant Butte and further south to Texas. Then, in 2013, Texas sued arg