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State, local officials: Exporting LNG will create jobs
By: superuser
last updated: 05-16-2013
The leader of a New Mexico research institute dedicated to prosperity and job creation for New Mexicans has come out in favor of opening up foreign trade of liquefied natural gas, or LNG. Paul Gessing, president of the Rio Grande Foundation, said th...



Ogilvie integral part of county growth, progress
By: superuser
last updated: 05-16-2013
A “beacon of light in the community” went out on May 14, when Donna Ogilvie died. Ogilvie, 82, was a pillar in San Juan County, where she lived for many years. She was a newspaper woman, an actress, an animal lover and, most importantly, a voice...



City ups FPD legal, liability line item
By: superuser
last updated: 05-16-2013
Farmington Police have seen a “more violent pattern” when it comes to crimes, City Manager Rob Mayes told the City Council during a May 10 budget work session. This “violent pattern” has led the city to budget more funds toward its legal def...



Council awards $61,000 of CDBG money to Childhaven
By: superuser
last updated: 05-16-2013
Childhaven will be able to move forward with much needed repairs to its kitchen, nursery and toddler play area after the City Council agreed to award a portion of a nearly $100,000 in leftover Community Development Block Grant, or CDBG, funds to the ...



Redhorse trial returns to Farmington
By: superuser
last updated: 05-16-2013
The Eleventh Judicial District Courthouse is playing host to the McKinley County District Attorney this week in the third trial of Alex Redhorse, a 21-year-old Gallup man accused in double homicide. The DA has tried on two separate occasions to achi...



PRCA Tracks
By: superuser
last updated: 05-16-2013
Get Golf Ready If you have ever thought about picking up a golf club, either for the first time or returning to it once again, you can make golf your sport for a lifetime. The Get Golf Ready Program at Piñon Hills Golf Course, 2101 E. Sunrise Parkw...



Plan cuts service organizations 25 percent; talks continue today
By: superuser
last updated: 05-09-2013
Farmington City Manager Rob Mayes has proposed a 2 percent raise for employees, while also asking the Farmington City Council to cut 25 percent of its annual funding to social service agencies as a cost saving measure in the Fiscal Year 2014 budget. ...



Commitee take proactive approach to GRT shortfall
By: superuser
last updated: 05-09-2013
Ambulance and 9-1-1 services could be cut if the Emergency Gross Receipts Tax doesn’t bring in enough money to foot the bill, and San Juan County officials said they may be faced with this crisis in the future. The county and the cities of Aztec, ...



Farmington is 59 on dangerous cities list
By: superuser
last updated: 05-09-2013
Farmington has been ranked the 59th most dangerous city in the United States on a list created by the Wall Street Journal. It moved up from the 86th most dangerous ranking last year. The Journal developed the ranking by using crimes statistics from ...



Local restaurant owner gathers signatures for vote
By: superuser
last updated: 05-09-2013
A local restaurant owner is gathering signatures for a referendum to make beer and wine license applications available to restaurants in the unincorporated areas of San Juan County. Chris Taylor, owner of Fishheads San Juan River Lodge in Navajo Dam...



Aztec School’s mill levy vote successful by large margin
By: superuser
last updated: 05-09-2013
A crucial source of funding for Aztec Schools’ maintenance and technology departments will continue after residents voted to continue the mill levy during a special election on May 7. The mill levy provides the district about $1.4 million every ye...



Health plan modified Rising costs force changes to County medical plan
By: superuser
last updated: 05-09-2013
Rising medical care costs and health care reforms have required San Juan County to modify its employees’ health care plan for Fiscal Year 2014. Bill Wade, the county’s health care plan consultant, recommended these modifications as a way to provi...



College graduation ceremonies Saturday
By: superuser
last updated: 05-09-2013
San Juan College will hold graduation ceremonies for its students, as well as those who have earned degrees from the University of New Mexico-San Juan Center, beginning at 9 a.m., Saturday, May 11, in the Learning Commons Plaza. Dr. Kim Carpenter, CE...



Aztec school technology, maintenance budgets depend on tax funds
By: superuser
last updated: 05-02-2013
Aztec Municipal Schools is preparing for a mill levy continuation election on May 7 after the tax was originally voted down by residents during a Feb. 5 election. Aztec Schools Superintendent Kirk Carpenter said he was “devastated” when the mill ...



Hernandez arrested with 7 suspected dealers
By: superuser
last updated: 05-02-2013
A 60-year-old mom was arrested last week when Region II Narcotics and Homeland Security Investigations worked together to bring down a seven-member drug smuggling operation. Homeland Security Investigations agents arrested six suspected drug smuggle...



TASERs not always 100 percent effective
By: superuser
last updated: 05-02-2013
Electronic control weapons often are a law enforcement official’s first go-to device to avert a dangerous situation. These weapons, more commonly known as TASERs, are recommended by the U.S. Department of Justice as a first choice when trying to re...



City budget talks continue, cash reserves discussed
By: superuser
last updated: 05-02-2013
The city of Farmington has $19 million in a savings account but is facing a $6 million budget deficit that administrators say will lead to a reduction in services. The administration stated that a gross receipts tax, GRT, increase could bring in new...



Point-based system will be used in Farmington classrooms next year
By: superuser
last updated: 05-02-2013
A new point-based grading system will be rolled out in Farmington’s middle schools next year. The proficiency scale grading style pinpoints where students are excelling and where they need improvements, according to local teachers who presented the...



Mall shooting suspects had history of drug-related crimes
By: superuser
last updated: 05-02-2013
Brothers with a lengthy criminal history added murder to the list of crimes for which they have been charged, after shooting and killing a Farmington man in the parking lot of the Animas Valley Mall. Police suspect that Alejandro Ramirez, 22, and hi...



There are many misconceptions about the two-mill levy
By: superuser
last updated: 05-02-2013
When I was deciding on what to write about for this edition of the Tri-City Tribune, what came to mind was an article that our former Superintendent, Dr. Linda Paul, wrote on the mill levy. There is such a misconception about the mill, how it is util...



Connie Mack Assoc. $45,000 in hole after wage designation
By: superuser
last updated: 04-25-2013
When the Boys of Summer arrive in Farmington this year, they will continue a 48-year tradition of playing in the Connie Mack World Series. These 16-to 18-year-old ball players will arrive from all over the world and, like generations before them, the...



Students ask council to ban plastic bags in city
By: superuser
last updated: 04-25-2013
It takes more than 500 years for one plastic bag to decompose, according to Tibbetts Middle School Student Madysen Lawrence, who was one of three students that spoke to the Farmington City Council on April 23 about banning the use of plastic bags in ...



Southwest city boundary line being discussed
By: superuser
last updated: 04-25-2013
The Farmington Planning Department would like to extend the city’s southwestern boundary by annexing 1,138 acres into the community. The proposed annexation was broached in 2011, but the city failed to receive support from a majority of property ow...



Brooker outlines ‘patient-centered’ program at meeting
By: superuser
last updated: 04-25-2013
Health care providers in San Juan County are seeking the implementation of a patient-centered medical home program to centralize health care for patients in the community. This is being done because health care can be expensive and “fractured,” ...



Sandel: Explain animal shelter construction cost
By: superuser
last updated: 04-25-2013
A little more than a year ago, the Farmington City Council approved a $10 million bond refinance to complete capital improvement projects within the city. Included in this bond was the construction of a long-awaited regional animal shelter for Farmin...



City hopes former CVB director will donate funds
By: superuser
last updated: 04-25-2013
The Farmington Convention and Visitor’s Bureau has been working to pay down a Wells Fargo line of credit opened in 2004 by former director Becky Walling, while it continues to try to recoup funds lost from an embezzlement that began in 2004 and con...



Council wants more information before moving on annexation plan
By: superuser
last updated: 04-19-2013
As the city of Farmington continues to grow, the planning department is investigating the possibility of expanding the city boundaries to the east. The first phase of this plan would include an annexation along U.S. 64 toward to County Road 350, acco...



City to reallocate funds for landscaping
By: superuser
last updated: 04-19-2013
A $4 million dollar animal shelter is under construction in Animas Park, and the City Council learned Tuesday, April 16, that the city will have to shell out $105,000 to landscape the facility when it is completed later this year. In order to pay fo...



Hagerman: Diversification will bring jobs to community
By: superuser
last updated: 04-19-2013
Farmington gets a “C” in its ability to attract new economic developing businesses to the region, according to the new chief executive officer of 4 Corners Economic Development, or 4CED. Ray Hagerman, who came to the community from the Dayton De...



FMS board OKs 2 percent raise
By: superuser
last updated: 04-19-2013
Farmington Municipal Schools employees have not seen a salary increase for a few years now, but that changed when school board members approved a two percent raise for all employees in the district during an April 11 meeting. The state of New Mexico...



Program shows students stark reality of drinking and driving
By: superuser
last updated: 04-11-2013
Every 15 minutes, someone’s life is taken as the result of drinking alcohol and driving. This is the reality that Piedra Vista High School students, faculty, and parents encountered while participating in a nationwide program called “Every 15 Min...



Ebell vows to help fight unfair ‘anti-business’ regulations
By: superuser
last updated: 04-11-2013
Myron Ebell has been called “Enemy No. 1” to the climate change industry. He is the director of the Center for Energy and Environment at the Washington, D.C.-based Competitive Enterprise Institute, a non-profit public policy institute specializin...



City Council deliberates process for moving requests forward
By: superuser
last updated: 04-11-2013
The Farmington City Council rules of procedure were brought into question during the April 9 Council meeting, when the Council discussed its use of consensus to move projects and staff activities forward within city government. Any type of councilor...



Michael Chavez to sue city after shooting
By: superuser
last updated: 04-11-2013
Michael Chavez has put the city of Farmington on notice of an impending lawsuit, after being shot in the back, foot and elbow by Farmington Police Officers when he fled from a routine traffic stop. Chavez, through his attorney Arlon Stoker, filed a ...



Janel Ryan roast: Funds raised benefit Four Corners Home for Children
By: superuser
last updated: 04-11-2013
The fourth annual “Celebrity” Roast, featuring Farmington Municipal Schools Superintendent Janel Ryan, is set for Thursday, May 9, at the newly remodeled Farmington Civic Center. All funds raised benefit the Four Corners Home for Children at Nava...



Councilors question Burnham’s interpretation of law
By: superuser
last updated: 04-11-2013
debra maYeux Tri-City Tribune   Farmington Mayor Tommy Roberts has the power as presiding officer of the city’s legislative body to enact a dress policy for City Councilors, according to a legal opinion provided by City Attorney Jay Burnham...



FCVB attorney, Council discuss recovering embezzled funds
By: superuser
last updated: 04-05-2013
The Farmington Convention and Visitor’s Bureau was the victim of a crime perpetrated over the span of eight years. When the crime was reported, the investigation became an administrative matter handled by the city of Farmington, and the non-profit ...



Navajo Nation to spend $2.3 million on investigation
By: superuser
last updated: 04-05-2013
The Navajo Nation has not decided whether it will purchase Navajo Mine from BHP Billiton, but the tribe decided to spend $2.3 million to investigate the possible acquisition. Navajo President Ben Shelly signed legislation on April 3, allowing for th...



Councilors debate gross receipts hike
By: superuser
last updated: 04-05-2013
Two of Farmington’s City Councilors and the mayor would support a gross receipts tax referendum as an absolute last resort measure, if the city cannot find a way to make up a projected shortfall of $4.4 million. Councilor Jason Sandel asked for th...



County juvenile services center aligns policy with PREA standards
By: superuser
last updated: 04-05-2013
The San Juan County Juvenile Services Center, since opening in 2004, has never had an internal investigation regarding sexual misconduct, but a federal law has led the center’s leadership to update its sexual misconduct policy.  The Prison Rape E...



Instructional leaders can make a difference in student achievement
By: superuser
last updated: 04-04-2013
Teacher evaluation is a vital component for improving student learning. It seems obvious that quality instruction should produce positive gains for students and that if the instruction is poor or ineffective the consequence for learning is detrimenta...



ConocoPhillips suspends drilling
By: superuser
last updated: 03-29-2013
ConocoPhillips announced earlier this week it will temporarily suspend all drilling development in the San Juan Basin, according to its Director of Communications Jim Lowry. The move came with the limited ability for oil and gas companies to profit ...



BLM introduces management plans to public
By: superuser
last updated: 03-29-2013
Grant Glover rides his bicycle every day in the Glade Run Recreation Area. He accesses the public land on a trail near his home in Flora Vista. Glover enjoys the majesty of the Southwest and is an avid outdoor recreationalist, but he is disappointed...



Police chase, injure suspect on Schofield Lane
By: superuser
last updated: 03-29-2013
A 41-year-old man who fled on foot from police after a routine traffic stop ended up in the hospital recovering from two gunshot wounds. Farmington Police opened fire on Michael Chavez as he ran from them in the area of Schofield Lane. The “severa...



State provision will have devastating effect on city, county revenue
By: superuser
last updated: 03-29-2013
It was a last-minute deal in the New Mexico Legislature that not only implemented a corporate income tax reduction but also repealed the “hold harmless” provision for counties and municipalities – a move local government officials say will nega...



Mayor ask for veto without council’s OK
By: superuser
last updated: 03-29-2013
Mayor Tommy Roberts sent two emails on March 19 to Governor Susana Martinez asking her to veto legislation that included a corporate tax cut, film incentives and the hold harmless phase out. He asked Martinez to “honor” her “commitment” to th...



FMS applies for grant to expand Northeast
By: superuser
last updated: 03-29-2013
Students at Northeast Elementary School in Farmington could have more room to learn and play after the district applied for a New Mexico Public School Capital Outlay Council grant that would fund the expansion of the elementary school. Marilyn Strub...



School Finance 101
By: superuser
last updated: 03-28-2013
In light of the upcoming mill election for the Aztec Municipal School District, it is important that voters have the facts before they go to the polls on this issue. Here is an overview of how our schools are funded. Operational Funding: This type o...



Conference oil, gas experts delve into Mancos Shale specifics
By: superuser
last updated: 03-22-2013
It is unpredictable, unfamiliar and “topographically challenging.” The Mancos Shale play could lead this community into an oil boom or it could end up being a bust. The Canadian-based Encana has invested $100 million in this region trying to det...



Garner civil case alleges Willis defrauded, took his retirement
By: superuser
last updated: 03-22-2013
A former Kirtland resident facing multiple criminal charges and three civil complaints still has not set a foot in a San Juan County Courtroom. Bobby Willis, instead, has been allowed to wear a global positioning ankle monitor and remain at his home ...



ConocoPhillips donates to 30 local non-profit groups
By: superuser
last updated: 03-22-2013
The ConocoPhillips Philanthropic Committee gave $689,440 to 30 non-profit organizations during a March 21 luncheon at the Courtyard by Marriott. This rounded out five years of giving that totaled $4 million in funds contributed to the community. Con...



Tax increase, cutting services options to cover deficit
By: superuser
last updated: 03-22-2013
A gross receipts tax increase and raising water and electrical rates might be the answer to Farmington’s $4.4 million budget deficit, according to Mayor Tommy Roberts and City Manager Rob Mayes. Roberts and Mayes gave a two-hour presentation on th...



County OKs nine new safety policies
By: superuser
last updated: 03-22-2013
San Juan County employees are getting safer after the County Commission adopted nine new workplace safety policies during its March 19 meeting. County Safety and Compliance Manager Stewart Logan began developing the policies three years ago after re...



Henke, Foster work to educate legislators on safey, importance of process
By: superuser
last updated: 03-22-2013
A New Mexico Senator introduced a bill this past legislative session to ban hydraulic fracturing in the state – a move that shocked New Mexico Oil and Gas Association President Steve Henke, who spoke March 19 about fracking during the San Juan Basi...



City faces shortfall; public comment special meetings set
By:
last updated: 03-14-2013
FARMINGTON – A $4.4 million deficit is looming over the city of Farmington, and the administration is saying there could be cuts in staffing, community services and quality of life programs and services historically provided by the city. This was a...



County OKs reallocation of gross receipts tax dollars
By:
last updated: 03-14-2013
San Juan County is facing a “perfect storm” regarding the decline in revenue sources, according to County CEO Kim Carpenter, which is why County Commissioners unanimously approved a publication of notice of intent to amend an ordinance that will ...



Elected officials now required to have email
By:
last updated: 03-14-2013
The Farmington City Council made history March 12 by adopting a resolution establishing an email policy for elected officials. It is the only such policy in the state of New Mexico, according to Randy Van Vleck, attorney for the New Mexico Municipal...



Perez files discrimination charge, lawsuit
By:
last updated: 03-14-2013
Former Farmington Police Sgt. Robert Perez has filed a tort claim notice putting the city of Farmington, its Mayor Tommy Roberts and Police Chief Kyle Westall on notice that he intends to pursue legal action against the organization. Perez was fired...



4CED study: Area has qualified mid-level workforce
By:
last updated: 03-14-2013
San Juan County has a qualified workforce and Four Corners Economic Development, 4CED, is ready to use that to entice new business development in the area. During its March 13 meeting at the San Juan College Quality Center for Business, the non-prof...



EMS vote: County residents OK tax by huge margin
By:
last updated: 03-14-2013
The San Juan County Emergency Medical Services tax was approved during a March 12 election, with 3,901 residents voting for the tax out of 4,258 residents who voted at the polls, according to County Clerk Debbie Holmes. “The total turnout was 5.83...



Foundation for Open Government says Council’s consensus practice not in line with law
By:
last updated: 03-14-2013
The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government believes the Farmington City Council violated the Open Meetings Act during its March 5 work session when Mayor Tommy Roberts asked for Council consensus to write a resolution establishing an email policy ...



Important date Continuation of the Current Mill Levy vote set for May 7
By:
last updated: 03-14-2013
As you all know, the continuation of our mill levy was voted down in February.  This is troubling news for everyone in our school district because this funding is crucial in the operation of our schools and classrooms that serve our number one cust...



Agreement reached, local plant to close Units 2 and 3 in 2017
By:
last updated: 03-07-2013
Public Service Company of New Mexico has reached an agreement between the company, the state of New Mexico and the Environmental Protection Agency with regard to the continued operation of power generation at San Juan Generating Station. PNM Vice Pre...



Fair board announces theme, entertainment
By:
last updated: 03-07-2013
The San Juan County Fair will be “Fun for Ewe and Me” this year. At a regular meeting of the San Juan County Fair Board, the theme was selected from three final suggestions, offered by association members. With the theme approved, the board move...



Communication debate rages on
By:
last updated: 03-07-2013
Farmington Mayor Tommy Roberts is the chief executive officer for the city. State statute 3-11-4 mandates it, and he announced it to the Council during the March 5 work session. Roberts brought the issue up in the third discussion in less than a mont...



School board OKs spring, Thanksgiving break changes
By:
last updated: 03-07-2013
The changes made in the 2013-2014 School Year Calendar were well received by Farmington Municipal Schools staff, with 71 percent of the employees preferring the revised calendar, according to Chris Pash, director of secondary curriculum. Because of t...



BLM public meeting to discuss recreation area plan
By:
last updated: 03-07-2013
The public is invited to a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) “open house” meeting at San Juan College on Thursday, March 21, to learn about the BLM’s Preliminary Glade Run Recreation Area Recreation and Travel Management Plan.  The meeting will ...



Less than two percent of registered voters went to polls
By:
last updated: 03-07-2013
  Only 1.5 percent of San Juan County’s registered voters went to the polls on March 5, to vote for their representatives on the San Juan College Board. There are 31,506 registered voters, and 473 participated in the election that included t...



Fischer may take issue to attorney general’s office
By:
last updated: 02-28-2013
Farmington City Councilor Mary Fischer made it clear during a Feb. 12 City Council meeting that she did not want a city run email account. She reiterated her stance during the Feb. 26 Council meeting after nearly two weeks of her asking city employee...



Four vie for San Juan College board seats
By:
last updated: 02-28-2013
The San Juan College board election is set for Tuesday, March 5, and residents living in District 4, 6, and 7 of the county are eligible to vote at the polls, which will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The polling location for District 4 and 6 residen...



San Juan County will begin charging for fingerprinting April 1
By:
last updated: 02-28-2013
The San Juan County Detention Center was one of the last places in the state where a citizen could receive free fingerprinting services. This will change on April 1 when a new $5 fee per card will be assessed. The San Juan County Commission voted to...



Local cardiologists write about healthy habits, recognizing symptoms
By:
last updated: 02-28-2013
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among Americans. This is why local cardiologists at San Juan Regional Heart Center wanted to educate the public about heart disease prevention by writing the book, Cardiac and Vascular Health for t...



Bites & Bids Charity auction benefits Humane Society of the Four Corners
By:
last updated: 02-28-2013
As a way to reduce animal euthanasia rates, it is crucial to have a low-cost spay and neuter program, which is why the Humane Society of the Four Corners is hosting its 9th annual Bites and Bids Charity Auction, said Traci Fletcher, Humane Society bo...



2013 Riverfest Fine Arts, Crafts Fair reception May 24
By: superuser
last updated: 05-16-2013
The Riverfest Fine Arts and Crafts Fair opens with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 24, at the Red Lion Hotel, 700 Scott Ave. The art fair continues from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 26, ...

Worms we share: Pet owners can contract worms from dogs and cats
By: superuser
last updated: 05-16-2013
Dogs and cats may transmit potentially dangerous worms to you and your family. Worms – not a terribly popular topic, but one that could cause you and your pet a stay in the hospital. Veterinarians see the problem every day, but most dog and cat ow...

Two men arrested in Thursday night stabbing
last updated: 04-19-2013
A 38-year-old Farmington man was arrested late Thursday for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of Juan Valencia, of Blanco. Farmington Police arrested James Labranche after investigating the incident shortly after 10 p.m. at 1203 S. Griffin Road...


Shiprock man arrested on homicide charge
last updated: 04-16-2013
A Farmington man, who was repeatedly stabbed Monday evening near Melba Lane died from his injuries at San Juan Regional Medical Center. Farmington Police were called at 9:02 p.m. to the scene in the 600 block of Melba Lane, where they found Anthony ...

Athletes, coaches will be honored on May 24
By: superuser
last updated: 05-16-2013
Several former Farmington High School coaches and student athletes have left an imprint on the school’s athletic history and will be honored next Friday, May 24, as they are inducted into the FHS Hall of Fame. The FHS Hall of Fame ceremony will be...


AutoMax completes 18-month renovation
By: superuser
last updated: 05-16-2013
A used car dealership on East Main Street in Farmington underwent a year and a half renovation that gave the business a more appealing look for its clients. AutoMax, located at 5220 E. Main St., had its grand opening after the renovations were compl...