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Local News

Bloomfield Man Dies in Motorcycle Crash

The initial investigation indicated a 2004 Harley Davidson Motorcycle, driven by Richard Lucero (56) of Bloomfield, NM, was traveling east on US 64 when the motorcycle he was driving crashed on a curved portion in the roadway.
$2 Million for Railroad Design Work

BUILD Grant funds will be instrumental in the planning phase of any effort for freight rail. First, a study of economic feasibility will be made. Then design and construction feasibility will be studied. This includes potential alignments and right-of-way access and problems along any proposed alignment. Finally, the grant will cover the cost of meetings and input sessions with stakeholders, to include local communities, governmental entities, and potential business partners.
Hospital Suffering IT Problems

San Juan Regional Medical Center says e-mails sent to staff recently may not have been delivered. The organization suggests calling (505)609-2000 to reach a staff member or finding a direct phone number at http://www.sanjuanregional.com. The hospital says IT issues are not impacting their clinical systems or affecting patient care.
City of Farmington Enacts Stage 1 Water Advisory

Lake Farmington is the city’s public drinking water system supplied by surface water from the Animas and San Juan Rivers. The lake is currently at 97.98% of its capacity. However, low stream flows, combined with the prospect for continuing drought conditions and the lack of snow pack from last winter, prevents the City from replenishing the water supply. The City of Farmington is asking residents to voluntarily reduce water consumption to lower the overall demand on the system and preserve the water in storage.
Detention Center Disturbance Leads to Numerous Arrests

As a result of the investigation, on August 27th, 2020, eleven (11) individuals were charged for their involvement in the disturbance. Nine (9) of the eleven (11) defendants were still incarcerated at the San Juan County Detention Center as of September 1st, 2020 and were served with their arrest warrants on that date. The remaining two defendants have active warrants for their arrest and are still outstanding.
Authorities ID Suspect in Police Shooting

The subject was identified as Marco Antonio Benito and showed an address in Albuquerque. Benito was shown to have an active warrant for failure to appear for burglary with forced entry out of Bernalillo County. And an outstanding warrant for failure to appear for criminal damage to property out of Illinois.

COVID-19/Coronavirus

Daily NM COVID-19 Statistics: 28,224 (+239) cases, 859 Deaths (+2)

The Department of Health on Thursday also reported 15 new cases and no additional deaths in San Juan County, New Mexico related to COVID-19.
*Updated* Navajo Nation COVID-19 Cases Total: 10,212 (+42), 551 Deaths (+0)

The total number of deaths remains 551, as previously reported on Thursday. Reports indicate that 7,242 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 103,959 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 10,212.
Youth Sports, Overnight Camping part of Health Order Changes

An amended emergency public health order, which will be effective through mid-October, will permit youth sports conditioning and skills development, with no more than 10 individuals in any one group, in accordance with COVID-Safe Practices. Competitive contact play remains off-limits. In addition, New Mexicans may overnight camp at most state parks in groups of no more than 10. That change will be effective Oct. 1.
Cares Act Grants to Local Governments & Businesses

The following are eligible expenses for small business grants: Business continuity: Non-owner employee payroll Rent Scheduled mortgage payments Insurance Utilities Marketing Business redesign: Reconfiguring physical space Installing plexiglass barriers Purchasing web-conferencing or other technology to facilitate work-at-home PPE for employees Temporary structures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19
Update: NM Public Health Order Changes Explained

-Houses of worship may operate at 40% of maximum occupancy. -Indoor dining service at 25% of maximum occupancy. -Museums with static displays may operate at 25% capacity. -School Opening Plans Detailed
7 Fort Lewis College Students Isolate Over COVID-19 Concerns

Residents moving in this week to on-campus housing were required to test and all other students and employees were highly encouraged to test. Four tested positive for COVID-19 and three had inconclusive results and are being retested and currently following isolation protocols.