Santa Fe police confirmed Monday that a body found last week near a trail in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is that of 29-year-old Laurence Longwell, who was reported missing last December and whose car was found parked near Ski Santa Fe. Hikers found a body last week near the Santa Fe Baldy trail. Longwell was last seen December 11th, and he was reported missing two days later. His vehicle was found at the Windsor Trail-head parking lot parking lot near Ski Santa Fe. Police have not released any information surrounding his death at this time.
‘A long shot.” That’s how the lead negotiator for the Senate Democrats, John Arthur Smith, describes the chances for agreement between legislative leaders and the Governor’s office on the framework for a special legislative session so lawmakers can consider a capital outlay bill to finance state construction projects. The capital outlay bill would pay for 264 million-dollars’ worth of state and local government building and equipment projects. Smith, a Deming Democrat, says a special session would have to occur by Friday—or perhaps next Monday—in time for bond sales to be completed to raise the funds.
New Mexico taxpayers are paying the 27-thousand dollars’ in travel expenses Governor Susana Martinez racked up in the first quarter of the year mostly related to her role in the Republican Governors Association, a national conservative group. The New Mexican reports state records show that the money was mostly for the lodging, food and transportation costs of state officers protecting Martinez. Administration policy states for the safety of the governor and her staff, actual receipts or vouchers aren't included in Martinez's monthly expense report. However, New Mexico Foundation for Open Government officials say these are public records that people should be able to access. It's not unusual for taxpayer dollars to fund travel for security, like when Democrat Bill Richardson traveled to promote Barack Obama's presidential campaign in 2008.
Hatch Valley farmers are banding together to protect their brand, which to them represents a long heritage of local, home-grown food. The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that The Hatch Chile Association, comprised of chile growers and producers from the valley, is actively pursuing an action with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. In dispute is the use of the Hatch brand by Georgia-based company Hatch Chile Company. Hatch Chile Association Board Member Preston Mitchell says the group believes that no one other than local growers should be able to own the Hatch name. The group hopes for a certification mark that will protect the brand. Senior vice president of sales and marketing at Hatch Chile Co. David Gregory says the ongoing dispute has not interrupted the company's operations.
The Bernalillo County Commission heard more arguments about a planned community west of Albuquerque that developers say could someday be home to as many as 90-thousand people. But commissioners declined Monday to give a final decision on the development known as Santolina. Commissioners heard proponents and opponents voice their opinions on appeals concerning the project. The nearly 22-square-mile development would rival some of New Mexico's largest cities once completed. It's the largest development master plan ever considered by Bernalillo County. Opponents of the plan want county commissioners to vote down the development. They say the development would take away needed water resources in Albuquerque's South Valley. But supporter say the development would be subject to water conservation efforts. Santolina would be located along Interstate 40 and would have its own business parks and town center.
Santa Fe Weather: Mostly cloudy today with a 40-percent chance of mainly afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Today’s high will reach 64. Tonight: Partly cloudy with the chance of showers and thunderstorms at 80-percent and the overnight low, 44. Tomorrow: Mostly cloudy with a 60-percent chance for showers and thunderstorms, mainly before noon, and the high tomorrow, 60.