113 Articles in Central News
El Defensor Chieftain

by: Regina Barnett | Staff Reporter

Socorro balloonist takes flight at Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta

For James Allison, the skies over Albuquerque are more than just a scenic backdrop, they’re a family legacy. The 31-year-old balloonist from Socorro returned to t… Read moreSocorro balloonist takes flight at Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Ungelbah Dávila | Staff Reporter

Family seeks help after dog attack

A quiet visit between friends turned tragic for 68-year-old Eva Kempton of Socorro after a brutal dog attack. Kempton has been in various hospitals since the Sept… Read moreFamily seeks help after dog attack

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Regina Barnett | Staff Reporter

Ortiz appointed as interim superintendent at Magdalena Schools

The Magdalena Municipal Schools Board unanimously appointed Kim Ortiz as interim Superintendent to serve until June 30, 2026, at a salary of $150,000 beginning Oct. 20. Read moreOrtiz appointed as interim superintendent at Magdalena Schools

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor

Municipal court will keep doors open, concerns over future budget remain

In a 5-1 vote the City of Socorro council agreed to keep the municipal court. Read moreMunicipal court will keep doors open, concerns over future budget remain

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Ungelbah Dávila | Staff Reporter

Government shutdown prompts local event relocations and cancellations

The annual Wildlife Zone family event, hosted by the Friends of Bosque del Apache, will go on as planned this Saturday—but at a new location. Due to the ongoing f… Read moreGovernment shutdown prompts local event relocations and cancellations

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

Socorro Police Blotter

SOLAR LIGHT STOLEN Read moreSocorro Police Blotter

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor

¡Que Linda! grant brings recycling, clean-up to Socorro

Plastic recycling will soon become available to the City of Socorro with the ¡Que Linda! Beautification grant awarded to the city from the New Mexico Department o… Read more¡Que Linda! grant brings recycling, clean-up to Socorro

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Ungelbah Dávila | Staff Reporter

Journey’s Place: Escondida’s hidden gem

At just 18 years old, Journey Fullinim is running the restaurant she grew up in that her momma Shirley opened about 20 years ago. When Journey was 11, they rebranded the cozy spot as Journey’s Place and Journey has been the face of the busine…

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

Police Blotter

THREAT MADE TO STUDENT

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

Downwinder claim forms at city hall

EDC Staff Report

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Regina Barnett | Staff Reporter

Magdalena superintendent Dr. B resigns

After two months at the helm as superintendent of Magdalena Schools, Dr. George Bickert has resigned.

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Ungelbah Dávila | Staff Reporter

Sharayah crowned as Miss Alamo

The crowning of Miss Alamo is more than a pageant title. For the community, it’s the opening ceremony to Alamo Indian Days and a tradition that builds leadership, confidence and cultural pride among young women.

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Ungelbah Dávila | Staff Reporter

Cowboy Clinic plans to expand

When Presbyterian Medical Services (PMS) announced its departure from Catron County earlier this year, many residents feared a gap in local health care. But nurse practitioner Jenifer Deziel, owner of the newly established Catron County Cowbo…

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Regina Barnett | Staff Reporter

Budget cuts threaten the lifeline of public broadcasting

Public broadcasting stations across New Mexico, especially in rural and tribal communities like Alamo, are facing existential threats following federal budget cuts that slashed millions in funding.

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor

43rd annual Alamo Indian Day celebrates harmony

The 43rd annual Alamo Indian Day Celebration, themed “Understanding the need for harmonious relationships,” is set to be a vibrant testament to community spirit and tradition.

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Regina Barnett | Staff Reporter

Elevate the spectrum Hero Bags bring comfort to emergency situations

When emergency responders arrive on the scene, the chaos can be overwhelming, especially for individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities. A grassroots initiative in New Mexico is working to change that.

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: El Defensor Chieftain

We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Regina Barnett | Staff Reporter

Charles Blaylock named new fire chief in Magdalena

Charles Blaylock has been appointed the new Fire Chief of the Magdalena Volunteer Fire Department.

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Ungelbah Dávila | Staff Reporter

Civil Air Patrol showcase Socorro Airport

On Saturday, Sept. 20, the Civil Air Patrol hosted an open house at Socorro Municipal Airport, to highlight both the airport’s value to the community and the wide-ranging work of Civil Air Patrol (CAP).

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Regina Barnett | Staff Reporter

Tyler Bullock sentenced to 24 years on crimes against a child

Tyler Bullock, a 33-year-old Magdalena resident, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison. The sentencing, handed down by 7th Judicial District Court Judge Roscoe Woods, followed Bullock’s guilty plea to two counts of criminal sexual contact …

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor

Should the city continue supporting the municipal court?

During last week’s public hearing attendees raised questions regarding the municipal court caseload, the magistrate court’s ability to take on more cases and how the funding would be used if the municipal court was dissolved.

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor

Socorro Mental Health moves to new location

Presbyterian Medical Services (PMS) announced the permanent closure of the Socorro Mental Health location on Highway 60 effective October 1.

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Ungelbah Dávila | Staff Reporter

Magdalena fly-in brings pilots and community together

Each year, the quiet skies over Magdalena buzz with activity as pilots from across New Mexico—and even neighboring states—make their way to the village’s airstrip for the annual Fly-In Breakfast.

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor

County pressured to keep up with roads

County road maintenance was under question at the Socorro County meeting last week.

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor

Lightning strikes, village loses 200k gallons of water

A lightning strike hit a Village of Magdalena well pipe, causing the loss of 200,000 gallons of water, according to Mayor Richard Rumpf.

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Regina Barnett | Staff Reporter

School board self-reports open meeting act violation

Superintendent Joyce Gormley made a public apology for an Open Meetings Act violation at the Socorro school board meeting on September 8.

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

Law and Order: Socorro Sheriff's Department Blotter

MAN FIRES SHOT AT DOG

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor

Man attacked with machete

A 26-year-old Socorro man suffered severe injuries in an attack with a machete at the Shady Nook Trailer Park on Chaparral.

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor

Lt. Governor tours city renovation projects

Lt. Governor Howie Morales toured two City of Socorro remodel projects, the Finley Gym and former Zimmerly Elementary School, soon to be the Socorro Police department and judicial complex.

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Ungelbah Dávila | Staff Reporter

Socorro County Detention Center launches parenting program

A new program at the Socorro County Detention Center is giving incarcerated parents—both mothers and fathers—a chance to strengthen their parenting skills and, in some cases, reconnect with their children.

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Regina Barnett | Staff Reporter

Red Canyon gathering returns

This fall, the Red Canyon Reserve outside Magdalena will once again come alive with the sounds of shared meals, canyon hikes and hands-on restoration work as the Quivira Coalition hosts its Red Canyon Gathering from September 26–28. For organ…

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor

Thompson declares run for Magdalena Mayor

Michael Thompson has entered the race for mayor of the Village of Magdalena as a write-in candidate. He had previously been running for village trustee but has since withdrawn his candidacy for that position. Prior to Thompson's filing, there…

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor

Public hearing on municipal court scheduled

A public hearing will be held at 6 p.m. on September 16th at the City of Socorro Council meeting to discuss the possible abolishment of the Socorro Municipal Court.

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor

Downwinder Advocates present on compensation information

It was standing room only with over 70 in attendance at the informational presentation on Downwinder’s compensation at Socorro City Hall chambers.

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Ungelbah Dávila | Staff Reporter

Larson says farewell to the Chieftain

After two decades behind the byline, longtime reporter and columnist John Larson is saying farewell El Defensor Chieftain.

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Regina Barnett | Staff Reporter

Magdalena School Board adopts AI and cell phone policies

The board approved two significant policy updates from the New Mexico School Boards Association (NMSBA).

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor

Candidates file for elected positions

Locals threw their hats in the ring for elections on Tuesday’s filing day. The City of Socorro has four council seats available for four-year terms, while the Village of Magdalena has a mayoral seat, two four-year trustee seats and one two-ye…

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor

Electrical safety training: “Always treat power lines as energized”

First responders in Socorro County gathered at the County Annex II for an informative live demonstration on electrical safety presented by the Socorro Electric Cooperative (SEC).

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

El Defensor Chieftain

by: Ungelbah Dávila | Staff Reporter

APAS at a crossroads

For more than six decades, the Animal Protection Association of Socorro (APAS) has been a lifeline for pets and their families across Socorro and Catron counties. But now, the all-volunteer nonprofit that has spayed, neutered, fed and cared f…

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM

Free speech rally in Los Lunas

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:04AM

Voting 101 in Valencia County

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:04AM

Belen native proud to bring home the crown

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:04AM

Peralta Fiestas canceled

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:04AM

Belen student charged in BB gun incident

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:04AM

One files as write-in candidate

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:04AM

NMDOH issues COVID-19 vaccine health order

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:04AM

52 file to run for local elected offices

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:04AM

Community DataBank: On the Agenda

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:04AM

New mini terms are offered at UNM-VC

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:04AM

Belen teen shot in his home

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:04AM

Valencia County earns improved ISO rating

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:04AM

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Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:04AM

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