Los Alamos Daily Digest Monday, August 17, 2026
Ty's Take
The Frijoles Fire is up to better than nine thousand acres now, 656 people working it, and we're sitting at twelve percent containment on a Monday morning. That number will move, one way or another, depending on what the weather does the rest of the week. Around here, fire season never really feels like background noise the way it might elsewhere. We remember what Cerro Grande did in 2000, what Las Conchas did in 2011, and we know the Pajarito Plateau is no stranger to burning. Meanwhile, a hungry mule deer wandered Central Avenue looking for a meal, folks are thinking about Route 66 nostalgia down in Santa Fe, and somebody noticed our lights reflecting off clouds and the stock pond out toward Valles Caldera at night. This is August in Los Alamos: the everyday life of the plateau grinding forward while fire season reminds us, every single year, how much luck and preparation matter when you live this high up.
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Los Alamos Daily Post
Obituary: Robert ‘Bob’ Edwards Burgess: July 17, 2026
Robert 'Bob' Edwards Burgess, a U.S. Marine and beloved family man born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1935, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, humility, service, and love as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Hungry Buck Devours Leaves From Tree On Central Avenue
A hungry buck was spotted Friday afternoon munching on low-hanging leaves from a tree at 1247 Central Avenue in Los Alamos. The deer took advantage of the easily accessible foliage during an afternoon visit to the neighborhood.
Obituary: Virginia Ann Plonk Burgess July 6, 1935 – Nov. 10, 2024
Virginia Ann Plonk Burgess, born in Tampa, Florida in 1935 and a 1957 Auburn University graduate, peacefully passed away in Lakeland, Florida on November 10, 2024. She is remembered by her family as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother defined by love, faith, and service.
Posts From The Road: Arizona Detour
The Hubbell Trading Post near Ganado, Arizona has served the Navajo people for over 150 years as a major trade center and seller of Navajo rugs, textiles, and other traditional items. Located about 40 miles north of I-40 in eastern Arizona, the trading post was designated a U.S. National Historic...
Fr. Glenn: Wanting To Be Wanted
Father Glenn Jones reflects on a video showing how people with limited opportunities and low self-worth can be drawn to extremist groups that offer them a sense of belonging and community. The piece explores the psychological appeal of organizations that provide identity and purpose to isolated...
Sunday Update: Personnel Battling Frijoles Fire Totals 579 … Containment Reaches 12%
The Frijoles Fire, burning east of Pojoaque near Rio Frijoles, is being fought by 579 personnel with containment at 12 percent. Firefighters are constructing contingency lines and assessing Forest Service roads to determine the best strategy for managing the fire's northern progression.
McQuiston: Dogs And Homeowners Insurance … Which Breeds Carriers Flag And Why
Insurance carriers serving Los Alamos often use dog breed as a factor in homeowners insurance calculations, though policies typically do not explicitly list which breeds they will or will not cover. Understanding how insurers view your pet can help you navigate renewal forms and coverage options.
Participants in Valles Caldera National Preserve's recent astrophotography event captured images of the night sky illuminated by light pollution from Los Alamos reflecting off clouds and a stock pond. The photographs show how nearby urban lighting affects stargazing conditions in the preserve.
Milanovich: Introducing Myself To The Community
Donna Milanovich has joined United Way Northern New Mexico as the new Executive Director, bringing over a decade of leadership experience as founding Executive Director of the Chicago Philharmonic. Before her time in Chicago, she spent more than 30 years working as a professional musician.
The free 'Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit' is coming to Santa Fe August 28-30 at the New Mexico History Museum with expanded programming including a one-day 'Route 66 Recording Station' and a preview of the new documentary 'Atomic Legacy on Route 66.' The exhibit has already visited several...
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Los Alamos Reporter
Lance Fresquez, Los Alamos County Emergency Management Coordinator, will be the featured speaker at the Military Order of World Wars meeting on August 18 in the Los Alamos Research Park building. The event begins at 6 p.m. with a social period followed by a brief business meeting.
The Frijoles Fire has grown to 9,338 acres with 656 personnel on scene and containment at 12 percent as of Sunday evening, August 16. The fire is moving east into the Pecos Wilderness, with steep terrain and heavy fuel loads driving its expansion.
Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit To Visit New Mexico History Museum In Santa Fe Aug. 28-30
The 'Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit' will be at the New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe from August 28-30, offering free admission and expanded programming. The exhibit now features a one-day 'Route 66 Recording Station' and a preview of 'Atomic Legacy on Route 66.'
The Democratic Party of Los Alamos County will host its first Legacy Dinner 'Make Good Trouble' on September 12 at Beef and Leaf Cafe to honor the legacy of former Congressman and Civil Rights leader John Lewis. The dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. in Los Alamos.
Los Alamos Public Library Announces Atomicon 2026 Lineup For Aug. 29
The Los Alamos Public Library is hosting Atomicon on Saturday, August 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Mesa Public Library, featuring the library's annual community festival celebrating comics and fandoms. The event will showcase various programming and activities for fans of all ages.
Brandon Keller of Scouting America Troop 122 completed an Eagle Scout Service Project by designing, building, and installing three secure American Flag Collection Boxes throughout Los Alamos. The boxes provide the community with a proper way to retire worn and damaged American flags.
The business at the former Film Festival location at 3801 Arkansas Avenue in Los Alamos will remain closed through Tuesday to allow floor sealant to cure, extending closure by two days due to high humidity. The owner apologizes for the delay and plans to reopen on Wednesday.
Mike Holtzclaw Will End Term As Chancellor At UNM-Los Alamos On June 30, 2027
Mike Holtzclaw, chancellor of The University of New Mexico campus in Los Alamos, will conclude his tenure on June 30, 2027 and will not seek reappointment. UNM Provost Barbara Rodriguez confirmed the leadership transition for the top position at UNM-Los Alamos.
Meet & Greet For County’s Economic Development Administrator Max Khudiakov Draws Few Businesses
A meet and greet for Los Alamos County Economic Development Administrator Max Khudiakov drew limited business community participation on Thursday. Local economic development and tourism leaders were present to help welcome the new administrator to the county.
The Frijoles Fire continues to burn in the Jemez Mountains as the community hopes for rain to help suppress the ongoing wildfire. The photograph from Sunday captures the scale of smoke rising from the active fire.
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