Author: Scott Albright

As summer approaches, many people are getting ready to leave town and enjoy the great outdoors, but with wildfires raging throughout the state, those plans are being interrupted for some. As of May 23, the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon fire was at a 40% containment level and has burned more than 311,000 acres around Mora and Las Vegas near Gallinas Canyon. The Cerro Pelado Fire in the Jemez was 85% contained and burned more than 45,000 acres, while the Black Fire, 31 miles northwest of Truth or Consequences, was 8% contained and burned more than 146,000 acres. The fires prompted federal…

The following incidents were reported by the Albuquerque Police Department for the week of May 13-19 in the far NE Heights area between Holly Road, Louisiana Boulevard, Eubank Boulevard, and Academy Road. There were a total of 77 incidents reported by crimemapping.com for the week. The following 55 incidents do not include traffic stops, direct traffic, onsite traffic, or vehicle accidents without injuries. DISTURBANCE 11000 BLOCK BRIDGEPOINTE NE 5-13-2022 2:29 AM ONSITE SUSPICIOU VENTURA ST NE / HOLLY AV NE 5-13-2022 2:42 AM RESCUE CALL 6600 BLOCK DORADO BEACH NE 5-13-2022 4:05 AM SUSP PERS/VEHS 6600 BLOCK DORADO BEACH NE…

The Madison Bands Rock! Concert in the Park program returned after a two-year pause due to COVID-19 restrictions. Madison band students performed May 19 at Loma Del Rey Park across from the school to a crowd of family, teachers, staff and others gathered on the grass. Family members, friends, and siblings chatted and played while eating pizza before the Beginning Band started the evening off with “Dominance” by Conway. They then played “Ayre & Dance” by Pearson and “Bang the Drum All Day” by Rundgren and Story. Concert Band took the stage next, starting with “Bring It!” by Foster, followed…

The U.S. Forest Service issued an order closing the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands within the Mount Taylor, Mountainair and Sandia Ranger Districts at 8 a.m. Thursday. The order runs through July 18 or until the order is rescinded. However, the New Mexico Fire Information website says the order is in effect until Dec. 21 or until rescinded. The U.S. Forest Service website says, “Fire danger remains extreme with record conditions only expected to worsen over the foreseeable future. The closure will be rescinded after significant moisture has been received and overall conditions improve.” Albuquerque Open Space, including the…

On Monday,  the Albuquerque City Council voted 6-3 to override Mayor Tim Keller’s veto of the revised Neighborhood Association Recognition Ordinance. On April 18, the council voted to repeal and replace NARO with a new ordinance that defines how an association or neighborhood coalition is recognized and prevents associations from requiring members to pay dues to vote in its elections, among other changes. An April 20 petition was sent to the mayor asking him to veto the revised ordinance. In the petition letter, residents asked Keller to veto the ordinance on the grounds it has “zero support from the community”…

The average price of regular fuel in Albuquerque is slightly up from last week. According to AAA data, a week ago the average price of regular unleaded was $4.28. This week the average is $4.29. The average price of diesel decreased from $5.46 a gallon to $5.39. The cost for fuel in the Northeast Heights remained about the same, with some slight increases and decreases at various locations. • Regular unleaded at the Circle K/Phillips 66 at 9811 Montgomery Blvd. is a penny less than last week, coming in at $4.25 a gallon on May 19. Midgrade stayed the same…

A telephone town hall is scheduled for 2-3 p.m. Thursday, May 19, to discuss COVID-19 and other topics important to Albuquerqueans. Mayor Tim Keller and city leaders will be on the line to answer questions and hear concerns from locals. In past town halls, Keller discussed crime, city ordinances, homelessness, mental health, addiction and many other topics. The chief of police, director of economic development and deputy director for housing and homelessness are among some of the city leaders who answered questions at previous town halls. Ava Montoya, public information officer for Keller, said crime and homelessness are common topics…

The first verse of the song “Nothing Like a Wall of Ukuleles” by Barbara Johnson goes: Ukulele music is like a sunny day. Ukulele music will chase the blues away when it is gloomy and gray Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Libraries can help chase those blues away with their very own wall of ukuleles available for checkout. A Kala Brand Music Co.’s ukulele was checked out from the Juan Tabo library on Tuesday by an elementary school student who said he knows how to play one song he learned while in music class. A case, tuner and shoulder strap is also included…

Music, beer, kids’ activities and five hours of fun is planned for Heights Summerfest 2022 at North Domingo Baca Park Saturday, June 11. The fun begins at 5 p.m., starting with vintage rock and roll band DK & The Affordables. The event ends at 10 p.m. after the Preservation Hall Jazz Band completes its headliner performance. Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s newest album, “89” features Charlie Gabriel, a musician who has played for more than 75 years. Gabriel played in Lionel Hampton’s band as a teenager living in Detroit and has toured with popular artists such as Aretha Franklin. Other albums…

Big Lots! at 9500 Montgomery Blvd. will have its grand opening Saturday, May 21. An employee inside the store said there will be special discounts and deals, but a store manager said he cannot reveal the specifics. The store opened to customers about a month ago, according to the manager. Mailers sent out to homes offer a 20% discount at the store for a customer’s first purchase. The store offers an assortment of items including camping gear, home accessories, apparel and groceries. For more information, visit local.biglots.com.