As we close the chapter on 2024, I still have questions

Putting together this edition and looking back at top stories and photos of 2024, offered a valuable opportunity for reflection on both the highlights and challenges of the past year.

While a small few have understandably only seen me walking their way and scurried away, mumbling ‘no comment.’ Others have let me into their worlds, invited me into their homes and put all their cards on the table.

I’ll never forget hugging Jacob Landin’s mother after she shared the tragic story of her son’s murder. Even though it happened over thirty years ago, reliving it together, the pain felt fresh and our eyes burned with tears. Her strength and dedication to fight for justice will always stay with me.

One of my favorite groups of people to interview is our county’s youth, who consistently inspire me with hope for the future. I will never forget the incredible kids at The Ranches, who openly shared their personal struggles and successes while learning to raise animals and ultimately gaining a deeper understanding of themselves.

I was completely charmed with Miss Alamo, Maile Pino, and Miss New Mexico Rodeo, Westie Trujillo, our very own incredibly inspiring young women that I am confident will continue to bring pride to our community.

I won’t soon forget how refreshing my interview with 18-year-old Rae Pargas was. I was amazed by his wisdom and impressed that he and his friends secured a $2.3 million grant for our community’s youth. What kind of teenagers accomplish that?

I will be forever grateful to Violet Lucero and Manuel Guerro for their honesty and thoughtfulness in sharing their experiences of being taken from their families in Alamo to attend the BIA dorms in Magdalena. Digging up the past requires a significant amount of strength and courage. Speaking of elders, now that I have met Nica Chavez, who just turned 100 years old, I know who not to bet against in an 8-ball pool tournament.

How could I ever forget the midget rodeo who came through town, sat down with me and shared insight into their lives on the road? Followed by, watching bulls running right over them was nothing short of nerve-wracking.

I had the honor of being in the Catron County courtroom, bursting with protesters of the “water grab”, all of us at the edge of our seats listening to the legal arguments.

I’ve sat in countless school board meetings in Magdalena and Socorro, listening to board members, principals and superintendents advocate for their rural students in the fight for four-day school weeks. United, they came head to head with the most powerful people in the state.

I’ve hopped into vans, trucks and four-wheelers on tours all over the county. One Rancher took me past Alamo to a barren landscape where I could see the feral horses up close enough to see their ribs and scarred bodies.

I have had the opportunity to witness community members speak up during public comments, often with shaky voices. I’ve felt the passion build and seen tensions rise during board meetings. I’ve also experienced the bloopers, as well as moments of camaraderie and laughter.

Last year, I faced significant difficulties in obtaining documents related to alleged crimes and accidents. The State Police denied most of my public records requests, and I left messages with the Department of Justice that were never returned. The responses from the State Land Commission have yet to resolve my inquiries. I have encountered police reports, disturbing photographs and court testimony audio that will haunt me forever.

I have had people attempt to bully, harass and try to discredit me because they didn’t like the truth being published. And yet, there have been so many good times. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the times of celebration and being there for the colorful parades, music festivals, chainsaw tournaments and fun school field trips.

As we close the chapter on 2024, I wonder, how many more horses will die? Will our children be forced into five-day school weeks? Will the San Agustin Plains water fight ever end? What will happen with the City and Socorro Electric Co-op?

Though the new year is filled with challenges, we approach it with hope and anticipation for the answers that may lie ahead. I want to thank everyone who has shared their stories; your willingness to open up has enriched our collective narrative.

What a remarkable journey 2024 has been.