January 27 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Let us never forget.
The Village has received a report that there is work being done on the Wells Fargo ATM on Corrales Road. They are in the process of converting it to wireless and while working on it, the handle on the safe was broken. The ATM has been down while waiting for a locksmith to repair it and they were delayed by the holidays. They are now targeting 1/30 for the ATM to be converted to wireless and back live. We are sorry for any inconvenience.
Corrales Elementary School is hosting an open house Wednesday 1/31, which is open to community members and families that are interested in sending their children to this amazing school. The first session will run 9 – 10:30 AM and the second session is 1 – 2:30 PM. If there are additional questions, please call the school office at 505-792-7400.
According to the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD), this irrigation season will have similar limitations on water availability that we faced last year. The design of the new siphon is being done and, when completed, construction will begin and water may be available through the siphon for use in 2025 if no problems are encountered. Electric pumps are being used now to take water from the river and feed the ditches. Speaking of the ditches, I am sure everyone is aware that the ditch roads are for farmers’ access to their turnouts and for ditch maintenance by the MRGCD, not designated for recreational use. We all walk and ride on the ditches, but that is not their primary purpose. In fact, the Village has been asked not to show them on any map of a trail system in the Village. Go to MRGCD’s web site to get more information.
The Fire Department’s air boat (see photo below) is in the final stages of construction and may be here in the Village by the middle of February. Deputy Chief of Operations Nick Molinari will be traveling to Florida later next week to do final inspections on the boat. It will be a welcome addition to the equipment available for the department if we have a run off like last year and need to rescue residents from the river.
Plans are being developed for improved parking for the Old Church. Although there will not be an increase in spaces it should be safer and more organized. The Village is looking for other ways to safely increase the parking availability for that historic structure.
The comprehensive plan is being finished, but is not quite ready for prime time according to the chairperson of the committee. She will provide an abbreviated update at the council meeting February 13. For those who have volunteered to work on the plan or provided input, the Village administration thanks you. Subsequent administrations will also thank you for the suggestions and directions provided.
Remember, if you have an interest in what the Village government is doing and how it works, you can ZOOM in and watch our elected officials in action at the Council Meetings on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 6:30 PM from the comfort of your easy chair. If you have a concern, you can either e-mail your concern or comment to Melanie Romero, our Village Clerk (mromero [at] corrales-nm.org), and she will read it in the meeting, or you can request time to speak in advance while you are on ZOOM. Directions are posted on every agenda or you can call the Village office at 505-897-0502 and speak to the clerk directly. Agendas for these meetings are posted to the Village website under “Agendas and Minutes.”
There have been some problems with 911 dispatch. If you have a problem getting through on 911, the other numbers that can be used are on the banner on the website and here: 505-269-5778, 505-264-3838, 505-898-7585, 505-891-7226.
CRIME AND SAFETY UPDATE
On Wed. 01/17 a 37-year-old male Corrales resident was arrested for Battery Against a Household Member. If you or a loved one are a victim of domestic violence please reach out for help. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies,
505-891-7226 to speak with an Officer concerning non-emergency situations, and view the extensive list of resources available on the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence website.
Also on Wed. 01/17 a Village resident reported being scammed into making a bitcoin funds transfer by someone who claimed to be a federal law enforcement officer and stated that the payment would keep the government from seizing the victim’s bank accounts. Law enforcement agencies do not demand payment in this manner. Do not transfer funds to anyone without verifying who you’re dealing with. More information about cryptocurrency scams can be found.
At about 5:00PM on Thu. 01/18 Officers responded to a report of a driver passed out behind the wheel of a running vehicle on the 3700 block of Corrales RD. The 33-year-old Rio Rancho man was found to be under the influence of alcohol (a breath test disclosed that he was over twice the legal limit) and he was arrested on charges of Aggravated DWI, Open Container and Driving with a Revoked License.
On Sat. 01/20 a citizen reported that funds had been fraudulently transferred out of his credit union account and he doesn't know how his data had been compromised. Remember to stay vigilant about safeguarding your personal and financial information both on paper and online.
Thank you, have a safe week and remember: SEE IT, HEAR IT, REPORT IT!
HEALTH AND SAFETY UPDATE
While infection rates for both covid and the flu look to be declining, residents are advised these illnesses continue to be at high levels in the state. You can still get your 2023-2024 seasonal covid booster and your flu shot if you haven’t already. Remember to exercise caution when attending indoor events with large groups of people. STAY HOME if you feel ill to protect others who may be at a higher risk of contracting these illnesses.
Free COVID test kits are still available at Village Hall in the Foyer, the Corrales Fire department (call 505-898-7501 and we will bring them out to you), and the Corrales Library.
On Monday 1/22/24, a shelter in place order was sent out through the Village’s Code Red system for a shooting that took place at the south end of the Village. Several residents reported they did not receive the alert. To check your registration settings or to sign up to receive these alerts, please visit. You can register landline phones, cell phones and email addresses to receive alerts for your area. Also, please make sure your cell phone settings allow you to receive Government alerts. If your phone has these notifications turned off, you may not receive the alerts from the Village.
UPCOMING EVENTS
NOW THROUGH FEB. 15TH – Corrales Library’s Blind Date with a Book – pick a book to read then “rate your date” to be entered for some great Corrales Swag. The drawing will be held February 16th.
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY Customer Appreciation Celebration at Village Mercantile: huge sales, prizes, refreshments, chicken breed reveal, chick talk and more! Sat 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Sun 10 AM – 5 PM.
SATURDAY New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies Traveling Museum Exhibit visits the Corrales Library, 10 AM – 1 PM. The exhibit features artifacts and replicas that span the cultures of New Mexico
SATURDAY Music in Corrales Presents Joe Jencks, Folk Singer 7:30 PM at the Old Church. This event is sold out, but you can be added to the waiting list by arriving at 6:30 PM and adding your name to the list.
SUNDAY Flock expert Kacha Hedrick will give a Chick and Duck presentation at Village Mercantile at 5 PM. Seats are limited so call 505-897-9328 to reserve your spot.
WEDNESDAY – Story time at the library 10 AM
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
- February 3 – Dead wood removal from the Bosque 10 AM – 12 PM. Meet at the Romero Rd. Bosque entrance.
- Art in the Village – the first Sunday of the month throughout the Village
- February 8 – first chick delivery to Village Mercantile
- February 10 – Love Your Library Jewelry sale 10 AM – 3 PM Hendren Hall at San Ysidro Catholic Church, 5015 Corrales Road. All proceeds go to support the Corrales Library.
The administration is interested in what you have to say. We may not be able to do much some of the time, but occasionally we can. Please reach out to your elected officials or call the Village Offices if you have questions or concerns. Contact information is on the Village website.
We are all neighbors in the Village. Be kind, thoughtful and considerate of your neighbors. Drive slow, see the Village. Drive fast, see the Judge. Obey the speed limit and drive safely. Watch out for pedestrians, equestrians, and bicyclists. Stay warm.
Jim Fahey
Mayor