Winter Weather A Problem For Driving In New Mexico – The Associated Press
Snow, sleet, freezing fog and slick spots on pavement are producing difficult driving conditions are reported on numerous New Mexico highways, particularly in the east.
The National Weather Service says frigid temperatures and very low wind chill readings will also persist through Wednesday.
Snow is forecast to spread into western New Mexico in the evening and then into central New Mexico early Thursday as low pressure system approaches the state.
According to the weather service, that could result in several inches of snow accumulation, snow-packed roads and reduced visibility.
Martinez Prepares For 2nd Term With New GOP House - The Associated Press
When the clock strikes midnight Thursday, Susana Martinez will be sworn in for her second term as the governor of New Mexico during a private ceremony in the governor's mansion.
Martinez, a rising star in the Republican Party, easily won re-election over Democrat Gary King and remains the nation's only Latina governor.
She enters her second term with a GOP House that is expected to be friendly on her education reform plans and her efforts to repeal a state law that allows immigrants in the country illegally to obtain driver's licenses.
However, Martinez still will likely face resistance from a Democratic-controlled Senate that can block legislation.
Martinez will hold a public swearing-in ceremony Thursday at the New Mexico State Capitol.
Police Say Man In Accident That Killed Teen Was Intoxicated - The Associated Press & The ABQ Journal
Albuquerque police say a man who struck and killed a teenager has been charged with homicide by vehicle while driving intoxicated.
Police say 47-year-old Luis Montiel was high on strong pain medication at the time of the accident on Tuesday.
The Albuquerque Journal reportsthat police have not identified the teenage boy who was killed. They say he was 16 or 17 years old.
Police found Montiel more than a mile from the scene of the accident. He was passed out in a car in the middle of an intersection.
Officers concluded he was intoxicated while driving and charged him with vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.
Forecast: Bernalillo County Could Face Shortfall - The Associated Press and Albuquerque Journal
A budget forecast for Bernalillo County says New Mexico's most populous county could face a budget shortfall topping $50 million in the next fiscal year.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that's if the county continues to spend at the current rate and if its incoming revenue remains static.
Bernalillo County's current annual budget is just under $250 million, with most revenue coming from property taxes, sales tax and miscellaneous fees.
Deputy County Manager Shirley Ragin's staff compiled the forecast but she says it's unlikely the county would have a $50 million shortfall. That's because it can't submit a budget that's fiscally unbalanced to the state.
Ragin says that means the county must either cut spending or increase revenue.
Bad Weather Postpones New Year's Party - The Associated Press & Carlsbad Current-Argus
A New Year's Eve dance in southeastern New Mexico has been postponed due to bad winter weather.
To make matters worse, a supply truck carrying the party's alcohol also crashed.
Party planner Ric Serrano told The Associated Press on Wednesday he decided to call off the party headlined by Tejano star Michael Salgado because an Artic blast is causing slick, icy roads.
The fiesta was scheduled to take place New Year's Eve at the Civic Center Annex in Carlsbad.
Lucy Yanez told the Carlsbad Current-Argus that a truck carrying the mixed-drink supplies had an accident on its way to Carlsbad from Albuquerque.
But Serrano says the truck crash did not play a role on postponing the party, which sold out.
Serrano says the festivities have been rescheduled to Friday.
BLM Extends Comment Period For Proposed Pipeline - The Associated Press
The Bureau of Land Management is giving the public more time to comment on a proposed pipeline that would be capable of moving 50,000 barrels of crude oil a day.
The project by Saddle Butte Pipeline LLC would be made up of smaller pipelines that would gather oil at well pads and other points. A larger pipeline would then move the oil south to a distribution center near Interstate 40 in western New Mexico.
Experts say the San Juan Basin is on the verge of a shale-oil boom and the pipeline would ensure the oil developed as a result gets to market.
Environmentalists worry that the pipeline would open the door to at least a five-fold increase in production in the basin.
The comment period will end Jan. 30.
More New Mexico Agencies Getting Lapel Cameras - The Associated Press and Hobbs News-Sun
Law enforcement agencies in southeastern New Mexico are joining the movement to require body cameras for officers.
The Hobbs News-Sun reports that the Lovington Police Department recently purchased nine lapel cameras. Officials say another 20 officers will get them next year.
Eunice Police Chief Jimmie Jones says his department has used the cameras for four years and they have helped with investigations.
Jal police also use the cameras and around a dozen or so Lea County deputies also have the recording devices.
Nationally, officers in one of every six departments now patrol with small cameras on their chests, lapels or sunglasses, and that number is growing.
Sheriff's Office: Resident Wounded During Burglary - The Associated Press
Bernalillo County authorities say an Albuquerque-area man was shot and wounded by an intruder during a confrontation at the man's South Valley home.
According to the Sheriff's Office, 35-year-old Eric Anaya was shot after he and his family returned home Tuesday afternoon and found a strange car in his driveway and his front door kicked in.
Anaya went inside the confronted two burglars. A fight ensued and Anaya was shot in the shoulder.
Sheriff's official says two men are in custody. One was arrested in the vicinity and a second was apprehended elsewhere later.
Anaya's family was not hurt and deputies say his injuries are not life threatening.