Los Alamos Daily Digest Sunday, August 23, 2026
Ty's Take
The Frijoles Fire is still grinding through the Jemez at over 15,000 acres, and by now most of us on the hill have our go-bags ready and our evacuation routes memorized, which is what you do after Cerro Grande and Las Conchas taught this town hard lessons about what fire season means up here. Watching helicopters haul water all week while the Forest Service holds community meetings and folks check their insurance policies against what contractors are actually quoting (spoiler: they don't match) is the rhythm we live by August through October. The crews working containment deserve the gratitude Friday night brought, but so do the neighbors checking on neighbors and the volunteers keeping this place's institutions standing while everyone's attention is split between the Pajarito Plateau and the Jemez. This is Los Alamos county in late summer, where world-class science and small-town resilience have to work together just to get through fire season whole.
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Los Alamos Daily Post
A Black Hawk helicopter returned to Los Alamos County Airport on Friday after conducting water drop missions over the Frijoles Fire. The aircraft, designated N538SV, was part of ongoing firefighting efforts in the area.
Gratitude For Friday Night In LA!
A Los Alamos resident praised Friday night's Summer Concert Series on August 21, calling it the best musical event of the summer. The family-friendly program featured folk music and a local saxophone group, with the county receiving thanks for supporting the series throughout the summer.
SFCC’s Early Childhood Center Of Excellence Announces Launch Of New Mexico Student Parent Alliance
Santa Fe Community College's Early Childhood Center of Excellence has launched the New Mexico Student Parent Alliance to support student parents pursuing higher education. The initiative was unveiled during National Student Parent Month in September.
SFNF Issues Safety Notice For Frijoles Fire
The Santa Fe National Forest issued a safety notice after members of the public attempted to enter a Frijoles Fire camp on Friday night and harassed incident management personnel. The Forest Service thanked local authorities and incident personnel for their swift response, noting no injuries were...
YMCA Thanks Community For Supporting 2026 Golf Classic
The Family YMCA's 2026 Golf Classic brought together golfers, sponsors, and community members to support local youth and families. The fundraising event demonstrated strong community backing for the organization's programs.
An insurance agent from Jemez Insurance Agency explains why insurance claim checks often fall short of contractor estimates following hail damage. The common gap between the two figures can leave homeowners responsible for covering thousands of dollars in repairs.
Topper Volleyball Wins 3-2 Over Pojoaque Elkettes
Los Alamos Topper Volleyball defeated Pojoaque Elkettes 3-2 in a five-set non-district match Thursday evening at Ben Lujan Gymnasium in Pojoaque. The victory showcased strong performances from players including Lauren Evenlos and Delany Balkey.
Los Alamos County Council Regular Session Aug. 25
Los Alamos County Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25 at the Municipal Building at 1000 Central Ave for a regular session. The public meeting will follow a published agenda available online.
Y Senior Appreciation Committee Shares Heartfelt Thank You
The Family YMCA's Senior Appreciation Committee reflected on a memorable Senior Appreciation Night held on May 23. The event celebrated the 2026 graduating class with an unforgettable celebration as the school year began.
Weekly Fishing Report: Aug. 22, 2026
The State Game and Fish Department stocked 41,455 rainbow trout in Northern New Mexico waters, weighing a total of 14,168 pounds. Severe drought conditions in the region are creating challenging conditions for both anglers and fish populations.
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Los Alamos Reporter
UNM-Los Alamos Faculty Support Fund Awarded $5,000 Grant By Triad National Security
UNM-Los Alamos received a $5,000 grant from Triad National Security to support its Faculty Support Fund. The funding will help faculty pursue professional development activities that enhance classroom effectiveness and expertise.
Kiwanis Speaker Jim Cooley Discusses Venture Crew Program
Jim Cooley, advisor for Los Alamos Venture Crew 20, presented to the Kiwanis Club on August 10 about the youth-led Scouting organization. The crew offers co-ed opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills through various activities.
LAHS Alumna Genna Reeves, PhD, Named Distinguished Influential Woman For 2026
Los Alamos High School alumna Genna Reeves, PhD, has been named a Distinguished Influential Woman for 2026 by the national platform Influential Women. Reeves founded Invictus by Genna, which provides grief education, peer support, and end-of-life care services.
The Frijoles Fire has grown to 15,220 acres with 42 percent containment as of Saturday, August 22, with 981 personnel working on suppression efforts since the lightning-caused fire started August 4. Santa Fe National Forest will host a community meeting Monday, August 24 at 6 p.m. at the Truchas...
Tony Borek Is Top Predictor In Atomic City Road Runners Weekly Pace Race
Tony Borek was the top predictor in this week's Atomic City Road Runners pace race held on the trail behind the Aquatic Center. Runners gathered Tuesday evening to test their ability to match predicted pace times.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez highlighted the success of the state's Crime Gun Intelligence Center in solving firearm crimes through ballistics technology. Torrez announced the collaboration with local law enforcement, including Gallup Police Chief Erin Toadlena-Pablo.
A Los Alamos resident submitted a letter to the editor discussing how to navigate county governance and board appointment processes. The writer reflected on advice received years ago about engaging with local government.
Los Alamos Police Department Now Accepting Applications For Citizens Academy
Los Alamos Police Department is now accepting applications for its Citizens Academy, an interactive program that offers community members insight into law enforcement operations. The academy covers patrol operations, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, and specialized units.
Los Alamos National Laboratory held a full-scale emergency exercise to strengthen wildfire response readiness and ensure preparedness for fire threats. The Los Alamos Fire Department and Lab personnel conducted realistic training scenarios to refine emergency response strategies.
Another Successful Interfaith Los Alamos Backpack Drive For Albuquerque Refugee Community
Interfaith Los Alamos completed its eighth annual backpack drive for the Albuquerque refugee community, collecting more than 45 backpacks filled with school supplies. The successful effort continues the organization's commitment to supporting refugee families.
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