Los Alamos Daily Digest Saturday, August 15, 2026
Ty's Take
The Frijoles Fire sitting at over 8,000 acres and zero containment is the only story that matters this week, and if you've lived here since Cerro Grande or watched the ash from Las Conchas settle on your roof, you already know that. The meetings are happening, the utilities board will convene, Atomicon will go forward because this town doesn't stop for anything, but everyone on the hill is checking evacuation zones and wondering how fast this thing moves. A community meeting at McCracken tonight at six is where you'll find the real news, the kind that can't be printed until someone in a uniform tells you what's next. We've been lucky enough to dodge the big one twice in a quarter century. Luck runs out if you don't stay sharp.
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Los Alamos Daily Post
Los Alamos County Board Of Public Utilities To Meet In Regular Session Wednesday Aug. 19
The Los Alamos County Board of Public Utilities will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at the Municipal Building at 1000 Central Ave. The public can attend in person, participate via Zoom, or watch online at ladpu.com/BPULiveProceedings.
Frijoles Fire Update: Aug. 14, 2026
The Frijoles Fire has burned 8,197 acres with zero containment as of Aug. 14, 2026, following a lightning strike on Aug. 4. A 430-person crew led by California Complex Interagency Incident Management Team 8 is constructing contingency lines west of the fire to protect homes in Frijoles Canyon,...
Los Alamos JJAB To Meet Wednesday Aug. 19
The Los Alamos JJAB will hold its next meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19 via video conferencing. The agenda is available at www.losalamosjjab.com, and interested members of the public can contact the organization at info@losalamosjjab.com or 505.709.8125.
FBI: Shiprock Man Charged With Assaulting Federal Officer
A Shiprock man has been charged in federal court for allegedly firing at a law enforcement officer during a July 26, 2026 emergency response in Shiprock. According to court documents, Marcus Allen Benally, 41, an enrolled Navajo Nation member, fired in the direction of an officer and struck a...
Rehabilitation Roadwork To Begin On NM 605 In Milan
A more than $2.2 million roadway rehabilitation project on NM 605 in Milan will begin Aug. 14 with a one-inch overlay on both northbound and southbound lanes between mile markers 0.2 and 13. Work is expected to be completed by the end of August, with contractor hours running 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday...
Luján Highlights Fight To Lower Costs, Protect Nutrition Assistance, And Expand Access To Healthcare
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján held a series of events this week in Albuquerque highlighting his efforts to protect nutrition assistance, expand affordable housing, and defend healthcare access for New Mexicans. The senator toured affordable housing units at Calle Cuarta Apartments and met with local...
Stay Ready: Wildfire Preparedness In Los Alamos County
Residents of Los Alamos County are being urged to maintain wildfire preparedness year-round rather than waiting until fire threatens the community. Officials encourage residents to develop a plan and know evacuation procedures, as wildfire remains a possibility even during monsoon season when...
Los Alamos Public Library Announces 2026 Atomicon Lineup
The Los Alamos Public Library will host Atomicon, its annual community festival celebrating comics and fandoms, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29 at Mesa Public Library and Fuller Lodge. This fifth year of the event features an expanded lineup of activities, crafts, special guests,...
Higher Education Department Concludes Statewide Capital Outlay Tours And Hearings
The New Mexico Higher Education Department has concluded its annual summer capital outlay tours and hearings in Santa Fe, bringing together higher education leaders and state officials to evaluate infrastructure needs. Public colleges, universities, tribal colleges, and special schools presented a...
The Los Alamos Stable Owners Association held its annual Stroll the Stables event on Sunday, Aug. 9, allowing community members to visit local stables and interact with animals. The event drew families and horse enthusiasts from the area.
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Los Alamos Reporter
PEEC’s 2026 Bear Dinner Is Friday, Aug. 28 Followed By Bear Fest Saturday, Aug. 29
The Pajarito Environmental Education Center and Land of Enchantment Wildlife Foundation will host Bear Dinner at Fuller Lodge on Friday, Aug. 28 at 6 p.m., featuring a talk by Dr. Kathleen Ramsay followed by pizza and pasta. Bear Fest will follow on Saturday, Aug. 29.
LARSO Executive Director Ramon Garcia To Speak At Thursday’s LWVLA Lunch With A Leader Event
Ramon Garcia, executive director of LARSO, will speak at the League of Women Voters of Los Alamos monthly event 'Lunch with a Leader' on Thursday, Aug. 20 from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event brings together community members to hear from local leaders.
Legislative Council Selects Ethan Watson As New Director Of NM Legislative Council Service
The bipartisan Legislative Council has selected Ethan Watson as the new Director of the New Mexico Legislative Council Service. Watson, the City Clerk for Albuquerque and a University of New Mexico School of Law graduate, will lead the nonpartisan legislative support organization.
New Grief Support Group For Teens At Family Strengths Network
Family Strengths Network is launching a new grief support group for teenagers experiencing loss, facilitated by Kristine Coblentz and Rumi Sauñe. The group meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and uses games, art activities, journaling, and discussion to help...
Yard Sale List: Aug. 15-16, 2026
Multiple yard sales are scheduled for Aug. 15-16, 2026 in White Rock, including a pre-estate sale and downsizing event at 120 Canyon Vista Street. The sale runs Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and features various items.
The Frijoles Fire has burned 8,197 acres with zero containment as of Aug. 14, 2026, with 430 personnel under California Complex Interagency Incident Management Team 8 command. A community meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at McCracken Gym with updates also available on the SFNF Facebook page.
What Is Causing Utility Rate Increases?
Los Alamos County Board of Public Utilities Chair Robert Gibson explains that utility rate increases are primarily driven by inflation affecting the cost of services. He addresses community concerns about rising rates and discusses what residents can expect in the future.
New Mexico To Maintain Full Childhood Vaccination Recommendations Despite Trump Executive Order
The New Mexico Department of Health will maintain its full childhood vaccination recommendations despite a federal executive order that seeks to reduce recommended vaccines from 17 to 11. The state will continue to follow its existing vaccination schedule and disease-prevention protocols.
County: White Rock Experiencing Power Outage Thursday Evening
Around 1,300 customers in White Rock experienced a power outage beginning around 8:15 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13. Crews were dispatched to isolate the source, with no estimated restoration time reported as of 9:15 p.m.
Hair Experts Carla, Sarafina And Susan Have Moved To Their New Salon At 2101 Trinity Drive, Suite S
Hair salon professionals Carla, Sarafina, and Susan have relocated their Hair Experts salon to 2101 Trinity Drive, Suite S in Los Alamos. The new location offers a bright and spacious setting for their hair and manicure services.
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