Veterans Get a Green Light
Sandoval County will proudly honor its veterans again this year by participating in Operation Green Light, a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO). From November 6 through 12, 2023, the county will virtually light its administration building in green each evening to let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. For more information about Operation Green Light, visit www.naco.org/program/operation-green-light-veterans.
Desert Dogs
Last weekend the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Dept. K9 Unit participated in the 20th Annual Desert Dog K9 Trials hosted by the Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association (ALECA) in Scottsdale, AZ. Sgt. Osborn and K9 Maverick “Udo” placed second in the Handler Protection category. Kevin Sheldahl from K9 Services helped the dog team prepare for the trials. The Hometown Foundation donated K9 Maverick to SCSO in 2019.
Buffalo Tract Protection for Placitas
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has proposed a plan – an administrative withdrawal – to protect more than 4,000 acres within the Placitas area from gravel and other mining for 50 years.
The BLM’s public meeting at the Placitas Community Library will be on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 5:30-7:30 p.m. to provide oral comments on why this withdrawal is important to the community.
The area to be protected includes the Buffalo Tract, the Crest of Montezuma and two additional small tracts. A 90-day comment period began September 20 and ends December 19, 2023. The BLM is soliciting public comment to make the case to the Dept. of the Interior for approval of this withdrawal.
Brighten Bernalillo
The Town of Bernalillo is hosting its annual “Brighten Bernalillo” Christmas decoration competition. The competition is for all Bernalillo residents and businesses, and includes all Christmas decorations and traditional luminarias. It’s free to apply, and your home or business will be added to a map for all residents to tour. Application deadline is Dec. 12. Judging takes place on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 6:30pm. Judges will choose five residential winners and one business winner. Applications can be found at tobnm.gov.