Top online stories of 2024

Two fatalities in head on collision on Highway 60

August 13 | Jessica Carranza Pino

A head-on collision on Highway 60, 12 miles west of Magdalena, resulted in two driver fatalities and one passenger in critical condition today.

According to Gilbert Padilla III, detective of the Socorro County Sheriff’s office, at approximately 10:30 a.m. this morning, Socorro County Sheriff deputies, Socorro and Magdalena EMS, Magdalena marshals and State Police arrived at the scene between mile marker 102 and 103.

The highway was shut down for about two hours while they processed the scene and extracted the one surviving passenger who was trapped in the vehicle. PHI flew the individual out to receive medical attention.

Ousted superintendent sues Socorro School District

October 17 | Jessica Carranza Pino

Former Socorro School Superintendent Ron Hendrix is seeking $341,028.60 from the Socorro Consolidated School District, according to a letter sent by his attorney, Paul Melendres.

In the letter sent to School Board President Dave Hicks on Oct. 2, Melendres argues for the compensation.

The amount sought is the contract amount of $161,027.60, which includes the 3% raise and $600 a month for 25 years that Mr. Hendrix would have received if he had worked one additional year for retirement, according to the letter.

Farm-top table store maintains Bustamante Family tradition

August 17 | Russell Huffman

Last year’s second place in the New Mexico Chile Taste Off has led to something even better for local shoppers with the opening of the Bustamante Farms produce store in Lemitar on Saturday.

Fifth-generation green chile farmers Ken and Shaina Bustamante saw a steady stream of customers throughout the day as people came to check out the fruits and vegetables, they had available.

There was no room in the parking lot for one customer who wheeled in front of the store across the street in his John Deere tractor. A few minutes later, he emerged with a fresh watermelon and a sack of produce in hand and drove away with a smile on his face.

Arizona man murdered in Catron County

August 7 | Jessica Carranza Pino

An Arizona man has been identified as the victim in an active homicide investigation in the Glenwood area of Catron County.

At around 9:30 a.m. on July 30, Catron County deputies responded to the Big Horn Campground on US 180 just North of Glenwood in reference to an unknown deceased male. The victim was later identified as Patrick Lopez, 69, of Page, Arizona.

“There were some people camped close by who heard some yelling and gunshots, but they never called it in,” Catron County Sheriff Keith Hughes said. “A passerby found him Tuesday morning.”

Hendrix contract rescinded

June 25 | Jessica Carranza Pino

Socorro School’s superintendent, Ron Hendrix, expressed shock at the notice of his termination on Monday.

The Socorro School Board voted unanimously to rescind his contract that was offered to him in January 2024.

The board also voted 5-0 to place Hendrix on administrative paid leave effective immediately. No comments were made on the vote.

Journey to owning her own show was anything but conventional

December 12 | Jessica Carranza Pino

Hanna Cooper is used to being underestimated as a mechanic. The 31-year-old businesswoman opened MX Automotive in April, and she still gets asked, “Where’s the man in charge?”

“Sometimes it’s a little hard, but I love that I probably know more than most of the men who are questioning me,” Copper said, “I think I get more respect in the end when they realize that I do know what I’m talking about,”

At her shop, located at the corner of Highway 60 and California Street, she provides engine repair, general maintenance, tire installation, interlock installations and engine replacements. She also offers u-hauls for rent and hosts food trucks on her lot over the weekends.

A real Homecoming: Rivera returns to her roots

July 25 | Jessica Carranza Pino

In the early 90s, Elizabeth Rivera walked the halls of Socorro High School as a student, an athlete, and even as a prom queen. Now, 30 years later, she is navigating the same halls as the new principal.

“I’m very happy to serve here; for me, it’s a privilege and an honor to be here,” Rivera said. “I felt like I got an excellent education when I was here that really prepared me for college and the world. We have to ensure that we’re providing that same service.”

She wants her students to have the same positive interactions she experienced and believes dreams can come true with education. Her goal is for her students to have opportunities and to be on a path to success.

Fentanyl found in Hwy 60 collision

September 9 | Jessica Carranza Pino

The Socorro Sheriff’s Department recovered dozens of fentanyl pills, methadone, and synthetic urine from a truck involved in the head-on collision that caused two fatalities on Highway 60 on August 14.

Kyle Bernstein, 38, of Sweetwater, Texas, was driving west on Highway 60 in a 2005 Chevy truck and was suspected to be under the influence when he collided head-on with a 2002 Ford Van with two passengers, said reports. Both drivers, Bernstein and 60-year-old Janet Offill of Paris, Texas, were pronounced dead on the scene.

According to police reports, survivor Brian Woodworth, 69, of Paris, Texas, said he noticed the truck going towards them in their lane. His wife, Offill, drove to the south shoulder to avoid a collision, and the truck turned toward the south shoulder as well. He said his wife pulled back on the roadway to avoid the truck again, who then pulled back into the roadway, causing the vehicles to collide head-on.

Dinner and a Drive: A couple slices of Pie Town, New Mexico

July 5 | Russell Huffman

Silver and gold miner Clyde Norman struck it rich in the mid-1920s, but it wasn’t precious metals that put money in his pocket – it was pies made from dried apples.

Around 1922, Norman, a World War I veteran, filed a claim to mine silver and gold along a cattle trail known as “The Driveway.” However, the mine played out, and Norman struck gold with his bakery, which served pies to sweet-starved cowboys looking for a tasty snack on the trail.

At first, Norman’s bakery was the only building for miles, and the area was referred to as “Norman’s Place,” but as people began to settle in the area, its reputation for tasty pies led to the name Pie Town.