Private parts
Drillers in the San Juan Basin can now drill eight wells per 320 acres of leased (or owned) land without notifying the public. That after the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission approved a proposal by Hilcorp that will double well density over 1.3 million acres in northwestern New Mexico. Companies are already allowed to ask for variances, but the commission's vote lets them do it without the public hearing part. Governor-elect Lujan Grisham had asked the state to delay the hearing until she takes office in seven weeks.
Back on the wall
Santa Fe's first and only female mayor has her picture back on the wall at City Hall, alongside 39 dudes. After an absence that began when someone stole Debbie Jaramillo's picture shortly after it went up almost two decades ago, a new portrait is hanging. A former Jaramillo staffer spearheaded the effort to put up what seems to be a placeholder photo. The city has a more permanent solution in the works, too.
Kid, criminal or both?
Santa Fe police are looking for Marcus Isaiah Atencio after the 12-year-old boy ran away Saturday. His family called police after finding cocaine in his backpack and after a fight with a family member. They think it's a huge mistake by a kid. Police think Atencio may be armed and responsible for the robbery of an Airport Road business.
BCSO deputy heads to trial
David Priemazon, a sergeant with the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, will face trial on charges stemming from an arrest in which he kicked a suspect in the head. That's after a judge decided prosecutors have enough evidence to move forward with the case. He faces charges of aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm.
Chan back in jail
Former Santa Fe County deputy Tai Chan is back in jail. He faces voluntary manslaughter charges for the 2014 fatal shooting of fellow deputy Jeremy Martin in Las Cruces. Prosecutors have failed to convict Chan on murder charges three times before. A fourth case was thrown out. A judge will decide whether Chan should stay in jail pending the latest trial.
Feds opt out of death penalty
Kirby Cleveland, a Navajo man accused of shooting and killed tribal police officer Houston Largo last year, will not face the federal death penalty ($). The Navajo Nation opposes the penalty, and it's illegal in New Mexico, but since it's a federal case, the US attorney opted to pursue the death penalty. The case sparked a debate over tribal sovereignty.
Cowboy-ready
Back in April, Nebraska-based Rural Media Group bought the old Imus ranch near Ribera. Yesterday came news about how the company will put it to use. RFD-TV (for the old "rural free delivery" postal service name) and the Cowboy Channel will base production out of the property, which is about halfway between Santa Fe and Las Vegas, New Mexico.
Yes you cann
A nod to The Word's sister newsletter, Leaf Brief, this morning. Every month SFR's Aaron Cantú rounds up the best reporting on cannabis from around the country. As the state's most aggressive reporter covering cannabis, he also includes his own work. As New Mexico gets set to grapple with legalization next legislative session, it'll serve as a great primer.
Thanks for reading! The Word wonders if apple cider donuts are a thing here. If so, where?
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