Looking back: TOP STORIES OF 2025

Electric Conflict Resolved?

After seven years of conflict, The Socorro Electric Co-op (SEC), the City of Socorro and New Mexico Tech (NMT) are close to finalizing an agreement that requires Socorro Electric Co-op to refund members about $600,000 they were overbilled during a non-compliance period with the New Mexico Public Commission (NMPRC).

In a status conference on October 31, with attorneys for the SEC, NMT, the city, and NMPRC hearing officers, the discussion highlighted the collaborative efforts to reach an agreement after years of conflict. 

SEC attorney Dan Najjar said an agreement was reached with all parties after a lengthy process. He said in the agreement, current customers will receive credits, former customers will get checks, and the stipulation includes bylaw changes, an advisory committee for transparency, and new ethics rules for the board. Any commission fine will be waived if SEC complies for a set period. An open letter will explain the situation and steps taken.

The attorney representing the city, Keith Herrmann, said the refund and financial figures in the stipulation were calculated jointly by representatives from the SEC, the City of Socorro and NMT. 

The hearing examiners agreed to expedite the process.

Brief history of the case

In December 2018, the SEC filed a notice with the NMPRC that it would increase rates by 5% to raise revenue by $1.25 million. State regulators rejected the rate-increase proposal, arguing that the utility wanted the price increase to advance the objectives of its board of trustees rather than needing it financially to operate.

After the meeting Herrmann confirmed the SEC refused to follow the Commission order for 948 days from Sept. 11, 2019, until the Commission approved SEC’s agreement on May 18, 2022.

The case was taken to the New Mexico Supreme court in June 2024 where it was ruled rural New Mexico electrical co-operatives are not exempt from state regulators’ authority over rates.

When the co-op rejected the PRC’s findings, the PRC fined the board $1,000 a day for not following its ruling.

In August 2024, SEC CEO Joseph Herrera left the electric co-operative after holding its prime leadership position for 13 years. In January 2025, Gonzales took the position.

In May of 2025 NMPRC voted unanimously on appointing co-Hearing examiners Ryan and Barrett to consider mechanisms for recovering fines accrued by SEC and proper corrective actions that do not unduly burden SEC members.

After five months of negotiations, an emergency medical service agreement has been reached between the City of Socorro and Socorro County.

 Socorro County Emergency services

In February, the city requested funding for three EMS firefighter positions from the county, and the county counter offered to fund two. 

Socorro Fire Chief Lawrence Baca said he was concerned about consistently responding to calls outside of the city limits which was leaving the city without services.

At a Socorro City Council meeting in March, County Manager Andy Lotrich presented a proposal to the mayor and council that included two staff positions, an EMS committee and suggested exploring alternatives for non-emergency transports.

Mayor Ravi Bhasker told Lotrich there was no room for negotiation.

 Socorro City Council later agreed to form a committee of two city councilors and two county commissioners to negotiate funding for emergency services.

Several months later at the Socorro County Commissioners meeting on July 22 the board unanimously approved the agreement of funding three positions with the changes requested by the City of Socorro.

Adren Nance, county lawyer, said the changes requested included a termination clause requiring 90 days’ notice before the end of the term, rather than any time if the county decided to terminate. He also said the agreement would automatically renew for four years unless notice is given.

Removed from the agreement was a provision that would have required EMT personnel to help at the detention facility for medication. Nance also told the commissioner that the payment under the agreement is monthly and reimbursable. The city will provide payroll or expense documentation, and the county will reimburse that amount.

 County manager terminated

The Socorro County Manager Andy Lotrich’s contract was unanimously terminated at a special meeting in October. Lotrich was not present for the vote.

Andrew “Andy” Lotrich began his tenure as manager on July 10, 2024 after Michael Hawkes resigned on March 8 of 2024.

“I take solace in knowing that any attempt to impugn my integrity, honesty and dedication will be merely pretextual as there aren’t any written reasons for the Board’s action.”In a text sent to the editor on Tuesday, Lorich wrote “I planted the seed that Socorro County could be a great place to grow. Like any field that is being planted, there are some weeds that attempt to choke out the crop. Through persistence, time and effort, it is possible to cultivate a sustainable product.

Commissioner Chair Joe Gonzales was voted to serve as acting manager, until a new manager is hired. He said there is no compensation as the acting manager. Later that week Gonzales was elected to the Socorro City Council.

“It’s normal practice in New Mexico for the county chair to serve as acting manager until one is hired,” said Gonzales after the meeting.

 Vista Apartments open doors

Local and state officials gathered May 29 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the Vista de Socorro Apartments, a new affordable housing development in Socorro. Representatives from El Camino Real Housing Authority, National Equity Fund, JL Gray and Company, Housing New Mexico, and various government offices attended the event.

Mary Ann Chavez-Lopez, executive director of the El Camino Real Housing Authority and widely recognized as the project’s driving force, delivered an emotional address thanking staff, partners and funders. She described her team as her “backbone” and stressed that the project was made possible through collective effort.

Former State Rep. Tara Jaramillo highlighted the financial challenges posed by rising construction costs during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the project had been in planning for nearly six years. State Rep. Gail Armstrong echoed those remarks, citing the project’s budget increase from $6 million to $13 million as a reflection of changing economic conditions.

Socorro Mayor Ravi Bhasker welcomed attendees before Chavez-Lopez cut the ribbon, officially opening the complex.

Construction on Vista de Socorro began in February 2024. The development includes one- and two-bedroom units for low-income individuals and families, with seven units reserved for residents with disabilities. The complex is located near Socorro High School, Socorro General Hospital and Socorro Mental Health.

Residents will receive subsidized rent and access to on-site services managed by Socorro County, including case management, job coaching, life-skills training, transportation assistance, a food pantry and substance abuse counseling. Amenities include a commons area, laundry facilities and a community garden.

The project received $4.5 million through Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Casa Connection Grant Program and serves households earning 30% to 60% of the area median income

Emergency order on Mexican Grey Wolves 

On April 3, Catron County held an emergency meeting that exceeded capacity at the courthouse in Reserve, with approximately 150 attendees crowding the courtroom and spilling out the hallways.

After listening to 37 public comments for over two hours, the commissioners unanimously approved a resolution declaring a disaster in Catron County, citing the ongoing injuries and damage caused by Mexican Grey Wolves.

State Representative Gail Armstrong offered to hand deliver the emergency declaration to the governor.

“I’m going to fight like crazy to get her to sign this,” Armstrong said. “When our way of life is threatened, we stand up and we say no.”

At a Socorro County meeting in May over a dozen ranchers also spoke in support of Socorro joining Catron in the emergency order .The county unanimously voted to adopt a resolution declaring an emergency due to the ongoing damage caused by Mexican Grey Wolves at their last regular meeting.

The emergency orders were never signed by the Governor. 

In August Mexican grey wolves on the New Mexico Game Commission’s agenda drew in over 200 people in person and online. At the meeting, both ranchers and wolf advocates commented, highlighting the significant divisions regarding wolves; however, the game commission acknowledged a desire for respectful dialogue and practical solutions.

No action was taken at the meeting.

 Dear Sammy advice column by local elders

The Socorro Wellness and Rehabilitation Center, formerly the Good Samaritan, is introducing a new community advice column in the El Defensor Chieftain called Dear Sammy. Inspired by the classic “Dear Abby,” the column will feature guidance from the center’s residents, whose daily discussions over the newspaper sparked the idea. Proposed by Chastity Kear, the column aims to share the group’s collective wisdom, shaped by varied life experiences and lively morning debates. Originally considered under the name “Dear Granny,” the final title honors the center’s Good Samaritan legacy. Since its introduction, Dear Sammy has tackled everything from navigating unruly in‑laws to offering tips on being a gracious hostess—even weighing in on what to do about a boyfriend’s unusually large puppet collection. Whether readers need personal advice or simply want to hear from Socorro’s seasoned voices, Dear Sammy is ready to listen.

To submit a Dear Sammy letter, please write to

Dear Sammy

P.O. Box 1279

Socorro, NM 87801

Or email: activity@socorrowellness.com

The mailbox is checked daily, and all letters are welcomed with warmth and curiosity.

 Magdalena superintendent turnover

After over seven years serving as Magdalena school’s superintendent, Dr. Glenn Haven’s contract was not renewed on January 20 in a split vote by the school board.

In May, Dr. George Bickert was hired to fill the position and resigned after serving only two months as superintendent. In his resignation letter, he cited deep reflection following a Sept. 15 executive session and referenced inappropriate behavior by a group of adults, though he did not name individuals.

Following his resignation, Principal Chris Backstrom was named interim superintendent. Schoolb Board President Lynn Major said Backstrom will continue as acting superintendent until Ortiz begins, at a daily rate of $300.

The Magdalena Municipal Schools Board unanimously appointed Kim Ortiz as interim superintendent through June 30, 2026, with a salary of $150,000 effective Oct. 20. The decision was made at the board’s Oct. 9 meeting, during which members also unanimously accepted the resignation of Superintendent Bickert.

Board President Lynn Major said the board wished Bickert and his family well, noting that while his leadership style did not align with the district’s vision, the board remained committed to improving Magdalena schools. 

Ortiz was previously one of the top three candidates for superintendent of Socorro Consolidated Schools in December 2024 and served as executive director of personnel for Socorro schools.

 Dollar store closures leave communities without

The Dollar Tree in Socorro and the Family Dollar in Magdalena have both closed, significantly impacting their communities. Former Socorro Dollar Tree manager Zach Holcomb said several employees lost their jobs just before Christmas, with at least one unable to accept a transfer due to lack of transportation. Holcomb expressed concern for low-income residents who relied on Dollar Tree for affordable food, noting families could previously make meals for about five dollars.

Holcomb said the store struggled with chronic shoplifting and insufficient staffing hours allocated by corporate offices, leaving excess freight and cluttered shelves. Corporate policy also prevented employees from confronting shoplifters or checking receipts. He encouraged residents facing food insecurity to seek help from organizations such as the Socorro Store House and Puerto Seguro.

In Magdalena, Chamber of Commerce President John Lee said the Family Dollar closure further reduces already limited services in the village. He recalled when Magdalena had multiple essential businesses and said another vacant building discourages rural living. Lee praised the store’s staff and said the loss of entry-level jobs is especially difficult in an area with few employment opportunities.

The closure affects not only Magdalena but surrounding communities such as Alamo, Datil, Pie Town and Quemado, where residents often travel long distances for basic goods. Lee also noted the loss of tourist stops and tax revenue for the village.

Magdalena’s Family Dollar, built in 2010, and Socorro’s Dollar Tree, built in 2014, are both listed for sale. Both buildings remain abaondended. Dollar Tree Corporation did not respond to requests for comment.