by: Regina Barnett | Staff Reporter
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
by: Ungelbah Dávila | Staff Reporter
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
by: Regina Barnett | Staff Reporter
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
by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor
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
by: Ungelbah Dávila | Staff Reporter
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
SOLAR LIGHT STOLEN Read moreSocorro Police Blotter
Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM
by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor
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
by: Ungelbah Dávila | Staff Reporter
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
by: Regina Barnett | Staff Reporter
After two months at the helm as superintendent of Magdalena Schools, Dr. George Bickert has resigned.
Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM
by: Ungelbah Dávila | Staff Reporter
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
by: Ungelbah Dávila | Staff Reporter
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
by: Regina Barnett | Staff Reporter
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
by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor
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
by: Regina Barnett | Staff Reporter
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
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
by: Regina Barnett | Staff Reporter
Charles Blaylock has been appointed the new Fire Chief of the Magdalena Volunteer Fire Department.
Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM
by: Ungelbah Dávila | Staff Reporter
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
by: Regina Barnett | Staff Reporter
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
by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor
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
by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor
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
by: Ungelbah Dávila | Staff Reporter
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
by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor
County road maintenance was under question at the Socorro County meeting last week.
Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM
by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor
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
by: Regina Barnett | Staff Reporter
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
MAN FIRES SHOT AT DOG
Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM
by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor
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
by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor
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
by: Ungelbah Dávila | Staff Reporter
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
by: Regina Barnett | Staff Reporter
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
by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor
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
by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor
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
by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor
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
by: Ungelbah Dávila | Staff Reporter
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
by: Regina Barnett | Staff Reporter
The board approved two significant policy updates from the New Mexico School Boards Association (NMSBA).
Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 05:03AM
by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor
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
by: Jessica Carranza Pino | Editor
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
by: Ungelbah Dávila | Staff Reporter
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…
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