KKIM’s New Mexico News

KKIM’s New Mexico News

5 PM NEWS (Wednesday 7 – 9 – 08)

NEW MEXICO NEWS AND VIEWS ON KKIM NOW CONTINUES WITH NEWS AND WEATHER, BROUGHT TO YOU BY HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN CHURCH AT COMMANCHE AND LOUISIANA. FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO www.heightschristian.org. I’M GRANT KUCK FOR KKIM, YOUR HOME FOR CHRISTIAN NEWS AND TALK.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- A 26 year old woman was killed today during a shooting in Albuquerque. According to police a man demanded cash at the Golden Star Restaurant on the city’s northeast side. He shot and killed the clerk before fleeing the scene in a black Mitsubishi. There is no word if the gunman escaped with any money.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- An elderly woman was killed this afternoon following a vehicle collision at Tomasita and Lomas in Albuquerque. Police say an automobile was pulling out of a driveway when a water delivery truck struck it. The incident occurred around 2:30 this afternoon. The driver of the truck was not ticketed and the name of the woman has not been released.

(Isleta Pueblo, NM) -- A double-shooting left a man dead and a woman in the hospital this morning. It happened in the parking lot of the Isleta Casino late Tuesday night. Isleta Police are looking for a person of interest who may have been the former boyfriend of the injured woman. No names have been released while the investigation continues.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- Albuquerque police have identified the body of a man found stuffed in the trunk of a car. They believe he was 37-year-old Edward Soza. Detectives are still trying to figure out who left the newer model Cadil-lac in the Northeast Heights neighborhood. The foul odor coming from the car's trunk alerted neighbors to call cops.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- A bogus 911 report has landed an Albuquerque woman in jail. Police say after sending a SWAT team to a Northeast Heights apartment, the woman inside told them that she made-up the story because she was mad at her boyfriend. Montgomery and Pennsylvania were closed for almost an hour during the incident. The woman faces a charge of filing a false police report.

(Santa Fe, NM) -- Public Service Company of New Mexico's emergency rate hike is still a go. The NM State Public Regulation Commission was considering a re-hearing, but they voted to keep the hike in place. A coalition of businesses and governments across the state were asking for the rehearing saying the rate increase would drive their costs up. PNM customers will see about a four-dollar a month increase on their bills.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- It looks like a streetcar system in Albuquerque is one-step closure to reality. Now that a city evaluation is complete, the matter is on to the city council. Taxpayers will decide if a quarter-cent gross receipts tax will help pay for the expensive project. If they do, a light rail type system will run up and down Cen-tral Avenue from the downtown area to San Mateo in the Northeast Heights. The cost to build is estimated around 28-million-dollars a mile, totaling 270-million-dollars.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- Predicted heavy rain in the metro area today is keeping the Albuquerque Fire Department's Swift Water Rescue Team on stand-by. Yesterday someone got caught in flash flooding in the city's arroyo system. Down-pours in the northeast and Southeast Heights sent water gushing toward the valley area where it was completely dry. It is believed the person made it out on his own. AFD is warning everyone to stay out of arroyos at all times.

(Oklahoma City, OK) -- The Oklahoma RedHawks completely shut down the Albuquerque Isotopes offense last night with a 4 to 0 score at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark. Today the Isotopes and RedHawks played the third game of their series which was completed early because of rain. Once again Oklahoma defeated the Isotopes 3 to 1. Today’s loss was the ninth in a row on the road for Albuquerque and is also the longest losing streak away from Isotopes Park.

5 PM WEATHER (Tuesday 7 – 8 – 08)

NEW MEXICO NEWS AND VIEWS ON KKIM NOW CONTINUES WITH NEWS AND WEATHER, BROUGHT TO YOU BY BOB DANIEL. CALL BOB AT 220 – 7679 FOR YOUR NEXT MORTGAGE OR REFINANCE. I’M GRANT KUCK FOR KKIM, YOUR HOME FOR CHRISTIAN NEWS AND TALK.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- A 16-year-old has been arrested in connection to the city's latest shooting murder. Ber-nalillo County officials say the boy shot another man and left him to die at a car wash near Coors and Old Coors in west Albuquerque late yesterday. Investigators say some type of altercation occurred between the two boys and possibly others. Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call Crime stoppers.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- Albuquerque Police investigaters are still looking for answers in a case in which a man's body was found locked inside the trunk of an abandoned car. Neighbors living near Wyoming and Osuna reported the foul smelling vehicle to cops early yesterday. Officials say it had been parked in the neighborhood for several days.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- Police are looking for a couple who tried to kidnap a young girl yesterday afternoon in the Northeast Heights. The 8-year-old girl was just a block from her home when a silver SUV pulled up beside her with the back door open. A man grabbed her and she began to scream. A woman passenger told the man to let her go because she was making too much noise. The driver is a heavy-set Hispanic man, about 5 foot 7 inches tall with black framed glasses and an earring in his left ear. He is also missing a tooth and has a sun tattoo on his right shoulder with the word, “Peace.” The woman was white with long, curly blonde hair. The couple was driving a gray SUV with spinner rims.

(Undated) -- High gas prices are expected to affect road work in New Mexico. With the price of gas around $4.00 a gallon consumers are buying fewer gallons of gas which means less taxes on gasoline sales will go to Federal and state highway funding. State Officials predict that gas revenue will be down this year, between $13 million and $26 million. Senator Pete Domenici estimates that the federal road revenue the Land of Enchantment will get will be about a third of what it received last year. According to New Mexico transportation secretary Rhonda Faught all road projects in the state may have to be reevaluated.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- Some good news for Albuquerque South Valley drivers, Arenal Road near Rio Grande High School is back open. County crews spent all day yesterday fixing the roadway after heavy rains and a weakened water line caused the roadway to split open -- it even swallowed a Bernalillo County fire engine early in the morning. County officials say the truck was quickly pulled from the hole and no major damage was done to it.

(Torrance County, NM) -- Now that the Big Spring Wildfire has practically destroyed the east Manzano Mountains, residents living in the area have another worry on their hands, rain. Weather and forestry officials say any significant downpour could cause flash flooding in the area from burnt out debris. Crews are working fast to clear arroyos and damns in the area as a precaution. This week's weather forecast for the area calls for increased chances of rain. The big fire charred 55-hundred acres and destroyed almost 20 structures before it was brought under control just last week.

(Oklahoma City, OK) -- It was a battle royal last night as the Albuquerque Isotopes fought the Oklahoma RedHawks for 13 innings. However when the battle was over, it was the RedHawks who walked away with a 4 to 3 win. Tonight Albuquerque tries again to get back into the win column as they face Oklahoma at 6:05 in the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark.

5 PM NEWS (Monday 7 – 7– 08)

NEW MEXICO NEWS AND VIEWS ON KKIM NOW CONTINUES WITH NEWS AND WEATHER, BROUGHT TO YOU BY JOE AND LINDA PAGE OF CAR PRO’S AUTO SALES. I’M GRANT KUCK FOR KKIM, YOUR HOME FOR CHRISTIAN NEWS AND TALK.

(Lea County, NM) -- Lea County authorities say an ex-Farmington cop is accused of shooting his father during a domestic violence scuffle at their home this weekend. Twenty-three-year-old Jake Shirley remains jailed under a 250-thousand-dollar bond. He faces an open count of murder for the death of his father, 48-year-old Jimmy Shirley.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- There is another fatal shooting reported in the metro area, this time an 84-year-old man is believed to be the triggerman. APD says Eddie Barela fatally shot another man over a dispute at the East Central Apartment complex in Albuquerque Saturday afternoon. An innocent woman standing nearby was also wounded by gunfire. Barela remains locked up until he can post at 500-thousand-dollars bond.

(ALBUQUERQUE, NM) -- An Albuquerque man is behind bars following a hit-and-run incident involving a young child. Shane Smartt was arrested for hitting the girl Saturday night in the city’s southeast side. Smartt struck the child after breaking for a stop sign. He then hit a fence before fleeing the scene. The girl was taken to a hospital, where she was treated and released. Smart was charged with leaving the scene of an accident and is currently being held on a $5,000 bond.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- Last night's heavy rain in Albuquerque is taking its toll. A sink hole opened up Arenal Road right in front of Rio Grande High School early this morning. Bernalillo County dispatchers say a fire truck was even swallowed by the opening but no one was injured. The area will remain closed until the problem is fixed. Detours are posted.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- Fire crews are investigating a serious fire at El Nortenio Mexican restaurant in southeast Albuquerque. Officials say when crews arrived just before sunrise, flames where already shooting from the rear of the structure near the kitchen. Arson crews remain on scene this afternoon looking into the fire's cause. No one was injured.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- What do you think would happen if you were driving drunk and tried to make a U-turn out of a DWI checkpoint. Well, a man tried to do it at a checkpoint in northwest Albuquerque this weekend but he did not get far. Officers quickly stopped and arrested 50-year-old Mark Moore who reportedly admitted drinking a bit too much.

(Bernalillo County, NM) -- Here is a construction alert for commuters who use I-40 through the East Mountains. As of last night, eastbound traffic will now use newly constructed eastbound lanes from Zuzax to Sedillo Hill. Westbound traffic will eventually move to the new eastbound lanes while crews construct new lanes. The I-40 westbound Zuzax off ramp will remain closed until further notice.

(Taos, NM) -- Northern New Mexico drivers beware -- it is now illegal to use a cell phone while driving in Taos County. A county ordinance approved earlier in the year took effect last week. You will be slapped with a 50-dollars fine for the first and second offense. The "Taos News" reports the fine will go up after the second offence. Albuquerque and Santa Fe already have similar laws in the books.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- It looks like the monsoon season has indeed arrived early in New Mexico this year, according to weather forecasters. They say more early and late afternoon thunderstorms could dump a lot of rain in a short amount of time in some areas. The humidity and dew point will also be high which will make it uncomfortable for those who use evaporative coolers in the workplace or at home.

(Oklahoma City, OK) -- The Albuquerque Isotopes had a great time last night as they finished their homestand with a 6 to 2 victory over the New Orleans Zephyrs. The Isotopes can use the momentum as they head to Oklahma City to battle the RedHawks who are currently at the top of the division. Tonight’s game is slated to get underway at 6:05 at AT&T Bricktown Ballpark.

5 PM NEWS (Thursday 7 - 3 - 08)

NEW MEXICO NEWS AND VIEWS ON KKIM NOW CONTINUES WITH NEWS AND WEATHER, BROUGHT TO YOU BY WESTERN MECHANICAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING, YOUR BRYANT FACTORY, AUTHORIZED DEALER AT 341 – 4458. I’M GRANT KUCK FOR KKIM YOUR HOME FOR CHRISTIAN NEWS AND TALK.

(Undated) -- Watch where you buy your beef this weekend -- a nationwide recall has spread to New Mexico. Health officials say the E-coli bacteria has been found in ground beef distributed by Kroger Foods. Kroger supplies meat to Smith's Supermarkets across New Mexico. Close to a million pounds have been recalled nationwide. If your meat has a sell date of May 21st to July 3rd, or July 11th through the 23rd, throw it out immediately.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- Another problem is brewing at Albuquerque Public Schools. This time gas prices are at fault. Contractors who supply buses to the district told the APS School Board last night they may not be able to supply service when school starts in August due to the ballooning gas issue. The board listened and voted to ask Governor Bill Richardson for emergency help. The price for wholesale diesel is currently four-35-a-gallon.

(Undated) -- Think twice if you are going to drink and drive or speed in New Mexico during the holiday weekend. State Police say I-40 will be swarming with officers through Sunday. The effort is called "Troopers Across America." A cop will be stationed every 15 miles on I-40 through eight other states. You might want to also buckle-up. They will get you for that too.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- Event organizers are getting ready for Fourth of July celebrations all over the area. Albuquerque's biggest is at Balloon Fiesta Park beginning at 4 p.m. Admission is only one-dollar and parking is free. To avoid driving in heavy traffic, you might want to consider a free ride on Park-and-Ride bus. You can call 311 to find a location near you. The Isotopes will also have fireworks shows both Friday and Saturday nights after the games. Rio Rancho's fireworks show will be at Loma Colorado Park. Santa Fe skies will be filled with bright lights shot from the stadium at Santa Fe High School.

(Roswell, NM) -- New Mexico got some national TV exposure this morning. The CBS Morning Show sent its weatherman to Roswell for the UFO festival, which begins today. Dave Price told the show's anchor that he wants to return to the city where he found friendly people. The event continues through Sunday.

(Santa Fe, NM) -- Health officials are warning New Mexicans to protect themselves from mosquito bites and exposure to rodents this summer. Six cats and three dogs have been reported infected with plague in Bernalillo, Santa Fe and Rio Arriba counties. Plague is spread by fleas or infected animals. So far no cases of West Nile virus have been reported in humans, but mosquitoes in Las Cruces tested positive for the disease this week.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- You might want to bring an umbrella to your Fourth of July festivities, just in case. Forecasters are predicting isolated thunderstorms, but expect the skies to clear as the weekend goes on. It will be hot too. Temperatures in Albuquerque are expected to be in the low to mid-90s.

(Round Rock, TX) -- Last night the Albuquerque Isotopes racked up a dozen hits but it just wasn’t enough to stop the Round Rock Express who defeated them for the third straight time 7 to 4 at Dell Diamond. Tonight Albuquerque will be looking for its first win since June 28^th. The last game of the series is slated to begin this evening at 6:05. Tomorrow the Isotopes return home for an Independence Day game with the New Orleans Zephyrs.

5 PM NEWS (Wednesday 7 – 2 – 08)

(Torrance County, NM) -- After burning 55-hundred acres, and destroying 16 structures, the Big Spring Wildfire is now out. Some crews remain on scene, mopping up a couple of hot spots here and there. Three wildfires have ravaged the area in the east Manzano Mountains southeast of Albuquerque within the past nine months.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- Albuquerque police may soon have a suspect in the shooting death of an ice cream vendor eleven days ago. Police have interviewed a caller to 911 who says she saw a man with a gun a few blocks away. Police say a witness picked out a man from a photo lineup. That man is Matthew Barraza who was reportedly out on bond, pending a trial for a murder in 2003. The 20-year-old is now back behind bars, charged with a parole violation.

(Santa Fe, NM) -- Two Mexican nationals are in jail for kidnapping a Santa Fe man and holding him for ransom. Authorities say Fernando Mendoza and Ever Chavez captured Pedro Carrillo Perez at his family's ranch in Mexico, and demanded 160-thousand dollars for his return. FBI agents were able to catch Chavez and Perez while they were returning to Santa Fe after making a deal. They are now facing numerous federal charges.

(Dona Ana County, NM) -- Manny Aragon's brother could spend the rest of his life behind bars. Charles Aragon was arrested in a routine Border Patrol stop near Las Cruces allegedly with over five-hundred-pounds of pot in his vehicle. His brother Manny is expected to go on trial in the fall on charges relating to alleged corruption involving the Metropolitan Courthouse.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- A 35-year-old Albuquerque woman was arrested for growing marijuana and allowing her 13-year-old son to smoke it. Police reportedly responded to a 911 hangup call at Lynette Garcia-Toler's Northeast Heights home. They say they found five children, ages five to 13, but no mother. They say they also found glass pipes and the weed growing in a dresser. Garcia-Toler was arrested when she arrived home. The 35-year-old faces charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The children were placed with their grandmother.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- A judge has dropped the charges against a Channel-four TV cameraman. Rick Foley kept his camera rolling when a rookie officer lunged at him and arrested him while Foley was covering a police standoff. According to the "Albuquerque Journal" the officer, David Guzman, has been placed on administrative leave. A disciplinary hearing is scheduled. Foley's attorney had contended that the officer never read Foley his Miranda rights. The judge left open the possibility that the charges could be re-filed.

(Round Rock, TX) -- The struggling Albuquerque Isotopes jumped to an early lead last night only to have the Round Rock Express rally for a 6-2 victory at Dell Diamond. Tonight it’s game three in their four-game series for the frustrated Isotopes as they try for a win. The first pitch is slated for 6:05 this evening. Following their series with Round Rock, Albuquerque will return home for a Friday, July 4^th contest with the New Orleans Zephyrs.

5 PM NEWS (Tuesday 7 – 1 – 08)

(Albuquerque, NM) -- They say the car deliberately ran over the man -- that is what several witness are telling Albuquerque cops about a serious hit-and-run crash in the Northeast Heights last night. It happened at the intersection of Central and Western Skies. An all points bulletin is out for a light colored Dodge sedan with a white man at the wheel. Call 911 if you know the driver. The victim is recovering at University Hospital.

(Madrid, NM) -- New Mexico State Police need your help solving a fatal hit-and-run crash in Madrid, New Mexico. Investigators say the 26-year-old cyclist from Albuquerque was hit Saturday just off Highway-14 south of the community in the East Mountains. Anyone who saw the crash is urged to call State Police.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- Not only is a Kirtland Air Force Base airman being sued for killing two people in a DWI crash last New Year's Day morning, several downtown Albuquerque bars are in hot water too. Attorney Will Ferguson has filled a lawsuit in Bernalillo County District Court. It claims five establishments in the downtown district sold booze to the already drunk soldier. Micah Henry tested twice the legal limit after he slammed into a truck at Candelaria and 4th Street killing two men inside.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- A State Senator's daughter is in jail, charged with DWI. Twenty-one-year-old Kady Cravens crashed a Mini Cooper into a median in Southeast Albuquerque Sunday afternoon. She reportedly admitted drinking before getting behind the wheel. Cravens' dad is State Senator Kent Cravens who has been on an anti-DWI campaign since his brother, sister-in-law and their three daughters were hit by drunk-driver Gordon House in 1992. Senator Cravens' brother Paul was the only survivor of that crash. Cravens apologized for his daughter's actions and said she will enter rehab.

(Manzano, NM) -- On the heels of the Big Spring Fire in the Manzano Mountains the Forest Service is working hard to prevent another disaster – flooding. Workers are spreading thousands of pounds of hay over burnt terrain in an effort to prevent the monsoon rains from sweeping away the topsoil exposed by the recent fire. In all about 2,000 pounds of hay per acre will be dropped by Helicopter throughout the area. Crews are rushing to cover the mountains before it rains. The straw will also help protect seed mixes that were dropped last week. If the plants don’t sprout and start growing soon, there is concern that the top-soil could be washed away perhaps for centuries. A meeting will be held this coming Monday evening at 7 in the town of Manzano. It will focus on what residents can do to prevent soil erosion before the monsoon rains hit the East Mountains.

(Statewide, NM) -- Over a dozen new laws that were passed in the last session of the state legislature take effect today. Several of them deal with domestic violence, including a bill that makes a third-time conviction for battery against a household member a fourth-degree felony. Another provides for treatment for domestic violence offenders. Other new laws limit red-light camera fines, give deputies a pay raise and makes human trafficking a felony.

(Roswell, NM) -- Roswell is being invaded. Not by space aliens, but by thousands of terrestrial visitors. It's the annual UFO festival, and it launches Thursday morning. A huge list of events includes an appearance by "2001 - A Space Odyssey" star Keir Dullea, many lectures, music, of course a showing of the feature film "Roswell" followed by fireworks, and lots of those tacky souvenirs. The Four-day event will also include what organizers are calling a "possible alien abduction."

(Round Rock, Texas) -- Last night the Albuquerque Isotopes fell to the Round Rock Express who defeated them 4 to 1 in their series opener at Dell Diamond. Tonight the Isotopes are looking to get back into the win column with the second game of their series which begins at 6:05 pm. After the series with Round Rock,Albuquerque will return home just in time for a 4th of July game against the New Orleans Zyphers

5 PM NEWS (Monday 6 – 30– 08)

(Torrance County, NM) -- Some good news about the Big Spring Fire which continues to smolder in the east Manzano Mountains, forestry officials say it is now 85 percent contained. The blaze, which has burned more than 55 hundred acres, started exactly one week ago today. Six structures have burned in its path and all evacuations have been lifted. The 400 people who were affected were allowed to return home yesterday. Crews continue to put out hotspots to make sure the second fire in the Manzano Mountains this season, is out. Lightning started this one last Monday. The same area was scorched by the Trigo Fire just months ago.

(Santa Rosa, NM) -- Five people are dead after a plane crash in eastern New Mexico. Police officials say the Cessna 206 was taking off from the Santa Rosa Airport just after noon yesterday and went down. It is believed the occupants were from Arizona. Where they were headed is unknown. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- Six people have been arrested following a SWAT standoff in Albuquerque’s South Valley. Bernalillo County Sheriff’s deputies determined that one of the suspects lived in a home near Atrisco Drive and Aragon Road SW. And around 11 last night they called in the SWAT team. KOB Eyewitness News 4 reports Sergeant Josh Kingsbury of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office saying, quote, “We had a shooting and also a robbery that happened later in the day. A follow-up investigation determined that this residence was probably of interest to us do to the fact that one of our possible suspects lived there.” Two suspects were arrested shortly after deputies arrived at the residence while the other four were apprehended around 5 this morning. According to Kingsbury the victim of the shooting received only a superficial wound and was treated and released. At this time none of the suspect’s names have been released.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- Bernalillo County deputies are looking for cruisers and drag racers once again. Officials say 53 cars were stopped Saturday night, and 111 citations were handed out. There were even a couple of arrests. Authorities concentrated their efforts in the Albuquerque Acres area near La Cueva High School.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- Seems like the monsoon season is here a bit early this year. Forecasters say the Albuquerque metro area could be in for locally heavy rain today. Water from last night's storm is keeping the arroyos flowing this morning. Even an apartment complex near Indian School and Louisiana is still drying out after run-off backed up into the area.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- A California sportswriter will be the new voice of the University of New Mexico Lobos. Scott Galetti will succeed Mike Roberts who was ousted this past April, after broadcasting Lobo games for four decades. Galetti is at present a writer for the Pasadena Star News. He has called games for the NFL, college, high school sports, as well as minor league hockey and women’s professional basketball.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- It was not a good weekend for the Albuquerque Isotopes who lost yesterday to the Iowa Cubs 7 to 5 at Principal Park. Not only did the Isotopes lose their last game to the Cubs but they dropped the other 3 games and the series as well. Tonight Albuquerque continues their road trip with a stop in Round Rock, Texas where they take on the Express. Tonight’s 4 game series opener begins at 6:05.

5 PM NEWS (Wednesday) 6 - 18 - 08

NEW MEXICO NEWS AND VIEWS ON KKIM NOW CONTINUES WITH NEWS AND WEATHER, BROUGHT TO YOU BY HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN CHURCH AT COMMANCHE AND LOUISIANA. FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO www.heightschristian.org. I’M GRANT KUCK FOR KKIM, YOUR HOME FOR CHRISTIAN NEWS AND TALK.

(Bernalillo NM) -- A Bernalillo police officer’s quick thinking has saved the life of an infant. According to KOAT News 13, Seargent Eric Gonzales was approached by a man screaming for help. The man took Gonzales into an apartment complex where he found that a 7-month-old child had nearly drowned in a tub. Celeste Esquibel was blue and unresponsive so Gonzales started CPR. Celeste was taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital where doctors found some residual water in her lungs. The good news is that they expect her to be okay.

(Albuquerque, NM) -- Three-down, at least three more to go. That's the word from police investigators who say more arrests are in the works after they locked up to men who allegedly stole, then resold cell phones. Officials say they believe at least six people are involved in a ring that they say not only stole cell phones, but thousands of dollars worth of sunglasses from a store in Santa Fe.

(Santa Fe, NM) -- Santa Fe Police are busy piecing together the city's latest pedestrian mishap. Officials say 45-year-old Monica Romero was hit by a small white car while walking alongside Airport Road near Highwa