Weekly News & Updates From Los Alamos County | | |
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In this newsletter...
Upcoming County Events | This Week's News | MyDrive Poll
Skunks and Deer | Project Updates | Read Across America
Roll Cart Replacement | Family Dessert Dance | ...and more!
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TOMORROW: White Rock Skate Park improvement project public meet and greet
TOMORROW, March 9, 2024 | Noon
White Rock Skate Park, 99 Sherwood Blvd., White Rock
American Ramp Company (ARC), in partnership with Los Alamos County Community Services Department (CSD) will hold a public meet and greet to discuss the project and solicit the community’s input on the design and type of modular elements to install as part of the improvement project for the White Rock Skate Park.
For more information about the White Rock Skate Park improvement project or to take the survey, please visit the Have Your Say page for the project or contact [email protected].
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Hawk Hangout
Thursday, March 14, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Los Alamos Family YMCA
FREE for Middle School Teens
Join us for Karaoke, airbrush tattoos & more!
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Happy International Women's Day
The women of the Los Alamos County Manager's Office thank all the hardworking women in the Los Alamos County government for their passion and dedication to public service. We appreciate everything you do! Happy International Women's Day!
(L-R: Senior Visual Information Sara Canfield, Deputy County Manager Linda Matteson, Public Information Officer Julie Williams-Hill, County Manager Anne Laurent, Executive Assistant Jackie Salazar, Human Resources Manager Mary Tapia, Sustainability Manager Angelica Gurule, Senior Visual Information Specialist Jane Mathews, (missing from the photo are: Assistant Public Information Officer Leslie Bucklin, and Intergovernmental Affairs Manager Danielle Duran).
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County Events Directory
Have you checked out the Events Directory on the new website? Events are listed in chronological order, searchable, and updated daily! Check it out!
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Water Repair on NM-4 Rescheduled
An emergency repair on a water transmission line along NM-4 has been rescheduled for Friday, March 15, through Sunday, March 17, according to officials at the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU). The broken water line, on the east side of NM-4 about halfway between East Jemez Road and the turnoff to NM-502, was previously scheduled for repair this weekend however the contractor will not receive all necessary parts by then.
Drivers should expect to see NM-4 traffic reduced to one lane in each direction as they approach the work zone. Northbound drivers will be directed into one of the two southbound lanes to allow space for a safe work zone on the shoulder and edge of the hillside. The break will be repaired by DPU contractor Parker Construction.
For questions or concerns regarding this work, please contact the Los Alamos County Customer Care Center at (505) 662-8333 or [email protected].
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County highlights Leadership Power Skills graduates from Feb. 27, 2024
Members of the Los Alamos County Leadership Power Skills class were honored on their graduation day, February 27, 2024, in the Municipal Building Council Chambers. The class was a pilot program launched in spring 2023. The County added the six-week cohort program to complement the comprehensive range of existing employee development courses. The current class of graduates includes nine County employees from six different departments serving the community.
To read the full news release, click here.
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Gas Recovery Charge Comes to a Close
Natural gas customers of the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) will see a drop in their gas charges on their upcoming bills as the department has collected the full amount intended under its temporary gas recovery charge.
The $0.44/therm charge was a sunsetting mechanism to cover a $2.2 million shortfall that occurred when commodity gas costs spiked from December 2022 through February 2023. This charge was approved by the Los Alamos County Council last March and DPU began billing it in April.
To read the full news release, click here.
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Property tax exemptions clinic for veterans, Sat., March 16
In response to the needs of working veterans, the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services and Los Alamos County Assessor's office are hosting a special Saturday clinic. Military veterans and unmarried widows of veterans are encouraged to drop in anytime between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 at the American Legion Post 90, 1325 Trinity Drive, Los Alamos.
This clinic is designed to assist eligible veterans with on-the-spot filing for either a "Veterans Property Tax Exemption" or a "Veterans Property Tax Waiver" that could significantly reduce the taxable value of primary residences. Proof of veteran status and residence in the state are required.
To read the full news release, click here.
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Bathtub Row Reconstruction Project Presentation Available to Review
Los Alamos County Public Works Department, in collaboration with the Department of Public Utilities, has begun the Bathtub Row Reconstruction Project. The project consists of a full reconstruction of Bathtub Row between Central Ave. and Peach Street, Nectar Street from Peach Street to 15th St., and a portion of utility work on 15th St. to Iris Street.
Bathtub Row is a two-lane collector street servicing the downtown business and historic districts, with direct access to Mesa Public Library, Fuller Lodge and the History Museum, and the Betty Ehart Senior Center. The scope of work includes the replacement of the existing asphalt surface and base course, targeted replacement of curb and gutter, valley gutters, sidewalk, drive pads, and ADA improvements. This project is a joint project with the County Department of Public Utilities to include rehabilitation of aging gas lines, replacement of aging waterlines and fire hydrants, and improvements to the sewer system.
Los Alamos County Public Works Department held a public meeting in conjunction with the Transportation Board on March 7, 2024, to present the project to the Board and community. To view the presentation and learn more, visit the project page here.
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Urban Trail Phase I & II Multi-use Trail Project construction activities the week of Mar. 11
Los Alamos County Public Works, in partnership with contractor Hasse Contracting Company Inc., will be continuing construction activities for the Urban Trail Phase I & II Multi-use Trail Project at five different locations downtown and off Canyon Road during the week of March 11.
Weather permitting, areas impacted include:
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Work Zone Area 1: Within the Fuller Lodge grounds adjacent to Central Ave. and heading north towards the Romero Cabin
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Work Zone Area 2A: 20th St. from the Youth Activity Center Driveway, north to the main access to 475 20th St.
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Work Zone Are 2B: 20th Street from Trinity Drive to Ashley Pond Park parking lot driveway.
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Work Zone Area 3: Within the wooded area by the Canyon Road Tennis Courts
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Work Zone Area 4: Within the Fuller Lodge grounds starting at the Romero Cabin and continuing north to Nectar Street
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Work Zone Area 5: Peach and Ponderosa streets
To see maps of each work zone and read the full news release, click here.
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We want to hear from you... | |
| Have you tried the MyDrive webcams to check on local traffic conditions? | | | |
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Last week's poll results...
How do you read the County Line Newsletter?
20.4% - I read the entire newsletter.
70.4% - I skim the headlines and read what interests me.
4.6% - I skim the photos and read what interests me.
1.9% - I am only interested in the events.
0.9% - I am only interested in the survey.
0.9% - All of the above.
0.9% - None of the above.
Thank you for your feedback!
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Learn more about SKUNKS...
Skunk Habitat
Skunks are extremely adaptable and thrive in many different habitats, as long as food and shelter are available. Because they rarely travel more than 2 miles from their established dens, a skunk will typically settle down within 2 miles of a water source.
Dens are made in tree hollows, hollowed-out logs, brush piles, abandoned animal burrows, and underneath porches and other structures. Skunks will occasionally dig their burrows underground if no other shelter options are available.
Skunk Diet
Though they typically prefer to dine on insects and grubs, skunks are omnivores, consuming a vast diet of both plant and animal matter. Skunks are opportunistic eaters, and their diets are flexible, often shifting with the seasons. Some of the skunks' favorite foods include beetles, grasshoppers, grubs and worms, bird eggs, small rodents, frogs, fruit and berries, and mushrooms.
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Fun Facts about DEER!
What a big nose you have...
Their sense of smell is 1000 times stronger than a human's. They can smell a person up to half a mile away and can detect water up to 2 feet underground.
What big eyes you have...
A mule deer's eyes are located on the side of its head, providing 310 degrees of vision.
Mule deer have better night vision than humans and can spot predators up to 600 meters away.
What big antlers you have!
Antlers can grow up to 1/4 inch per day. Antler growth stops in August and then the antlers harden. Bucks will use their antlers to fight each other for a doe when in rut. Antlers are then shed after the mating season and re-grow in the spring.
But what about those teeth?
Mule deer have no upper teeth, only a hard palate.
Hinds feet...
When startled, a mule deer will bounce away by pushing all four hooves off the ground at once. This is called "stotting." Mule deer can jump 2 feet high and up to 15 feet in distance. Mule deer can run up to 45 MPH.
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To learn more about living with wildlife, visit the NM Game & Fish website at www.lacnm.com/NMGF.
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Parks & Recreation Highlight | |
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Salsa Dance Classes
Learn to salsa in a fun and relaxed environment. No experience or partner is necessary!
Every Tuesday at the White Rock Activity Center from 7 to 9 p.m. Classes are FREE and drop-ins are welcome!
Visit nnmsalsa.yolasite.com for more information.
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Golf Course Improvement Project Has Begun
With the onset of the golf season upon us, the staff of the Los Alamos Golf Course, Capital Projects and Facilities, and Mid-America Golf would like to take this opportunity to alert the public about the ongoing activities at the golf course, as it is an active construction site. While the course will open for play starting March 11, it will be impacted heavily by the contractor, its crews, and equipment. On any given day the play will be oriented around closures laid out by golf staff in the pro shop.
To read the full news article, click here.
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4th of July Spectacular Sneak Peek!
Check out The Sizzler Reel from our headliner for the 4th of July Spectacular in White Rock, Prince Again, presented by SMSI and Merrick: https://loom.ly/oCNRgWU
Save the date (4th of JULY), it's going to be a great time thanks to concert producers Sancre Productions and Los Alamos County Community Services Department and event sponsors Wheed LLC. and Positive Energy Solar.
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LAPD's SROs Accept Read Across America Challenge
LAPD School Resource Officer Corporal Samantha Terrazas has taken on the Read Across America challenge and is challenging her fellow SRO's and other professionals to join her by getting out and reading to the youth in the community this month to allow them to hear about the different experiences and perspectives in the world through diverse books that are available to them.
Read Across America was founded to CREATE & CELEBRATE a nation of diverse readers with 12 months of recommended books, authors, and teaching resources that promote diversity and inclusion. The program has allowed Cpl. Terrazas to enter the classroom not only in a Law Enforcement role, but as a mentor and resource to the students, creating positive relationships all around.
Join Cpl. Terrazas and the community by interacting and reading aloud to children of all ages. Remember, our local Libraries have books available for anyone to checkout and read!
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Trash Talk + Recycle and Reuse! | |
Did you know? You can request a replacement roll cart if yours is damaged.
If you need to request a new roll cart, or if your roll cart is damaged or lost, fill out and submit the Roll Cart Request form. A fee will not be accessed if damage is caused by Environmental Services equipment.
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Healthy Community Highlight | |
White Rock is Rated #1 as one of the 10 Happiest Small Towns In America
With a rural feel and a close-knit community, White Rock is one of the happiest small towns in America, where the abundance of picturesque landscapes is great. Surrounded by rolling hills and amazing rock formations, its nearby Jemez Mountains and Jemez Mountain Trail Scenic Byway offer sweeping views of the fall foliage in New Mexico. But what beckons many people to consider White Rock as their permanent home is its low unemployment rate, which also means a low poverty rate. With about a 3% lower cost of living compared to the national average, White Rock is one of the crowning jewels in the U.S.
To read the full article on The Travel page, click here.
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Tickets Available Now for the Annual Family Dessert Dance
Join us on March 29 at 6 p.m. at Fuller Lodge for our Lego-themed Family Dessert Dance. Enjoy an evening packed with crafts, music, dancing, FREE Digital photo keepsakes, and family fun!
Get your tickets today by visiting our ticket website at https://loom.ly/e4oDLos or in-person at the Aquatic Center! Tickets are available for $8 per person, or $30 per family (two adults and two children OR one adult and three children.)
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VIP Festival Passes On Sale Now! | |
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Do you know about our other newsletters?
Subscribe now to stay in the know!
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Public Library System - Monthly News, Events, and Program Information
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The Bottom Line - Monthly Economic Development News for Los Alamos County
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The Cone Zone - Weekly Road Construction News during construction season (April-November)
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Los Alamos County is hiring! With numerous openings in a variety of areas, we’re sure to have a position that’s right for you. Come join our team! Apply today at www.losalamosnm.us/jobs | | | | |
