u/AlamogordoTownNews

https://newmexicoconservativenews.com/2026/08/18/alamogordo-town-news-special-report-why-your-pnm-bill-is-so-high-this-month/

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https://newmexicoconservativenews.com/2026/08/17/timberon-precautionary-boil-water-advisory-continues-thru-8-21-26/

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Alamogordo N.M. - In what could be the most significant consumer protection crisis facing Alamogordo families in recent memory, Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) continues to impose unexplained billing increases of $100 to $300 per month on residents already struggling with the rising cost of living.

What makes the situation worse: some residents report bills showing usage three times higher than normal—a discrepancy PNM blames on short-staffed meter readers and estimated billing rather than actual usage readings.
Only one local political leader has publicly challenged these practices: Mayor Sharon McDonald, who directly contacted PNM leadership to express municipal concerns about the billing abuse.

Estimated Billing: The Hidden Problem
Dozens of Alamogordo residents report the same troubling pattern: their PNM electricity bills have skyrocketed due to estimated billing rather than actual meter readings.
"I'm an elderly woman on a fixed income," one affected resident shared. "My PNM bill jumped $280 one month. I didn't add any new appliances. I didn't change my usage. When I called PNM to ask why, they couldn't give me a straight answer other than that they're short-staffed in meter readers and may have estimated my usage."

This is the core of the problem: PNM is charging residents based on estimated usage rather than actual meter readings, and when residents call to verify the charges, they receive vague explanations about staffing shortages instead of concrete explanations or corrections.
Families are forced to choose between paying utility bills and purchasing groceries. Elderly residents on fixed incomes face the choice between staying cool in Alamogordo's summer heat and maintaining other basic necessities.

Mayor McDonald Takes Action
Alamogordo Mayor Sharon McDonald has contacted PNM leadership directly to express the city's concerns regarding the systematic billing problems affecting residents. She made clear that these are not isolated customer service complaints—they represent a widespread pattern demanding corporate accountability.

"This is exactly what we should expect from elected leadership," consumer advocate and District 51 candidate Grace Nagamine said. "Mayor McDonald recognized that Alamogordo's families needed someone with a voice loud enough to reach corporate headquarters. She answered that call.
The question now is: where are the others?"

Nagamine Provides Action Plan for Residents
District 51  NM State Representative candidate Grace Nagamine has issued a comprehensive action plan providing Alamogordo residents with direct pathways to hold PNM accountable through official regulatory channels.

"This isn't about social media posts," Nagamine emphasized. "This is about making noise where it actually counts—with regulators and corporate leadership who have legal obligations to respond."

Residents can take action immediately:
FILE A COMPLAINT with the Public Regulation Commission at:
https://www.prc.nm.gov/consumer-relations/file-a-complaint/
Phone: (505) 827-4500 
SUBMIT A COMPLAINT to the New Mexico Attorney General at:
https://nmdoj.gov/get-help/submit-a-complaint/
Phone: (505) 827-6000 | Email: consumer@nmag.gov
SEND A CERTIFIED LETTER to PNM Corporate Headquarters:
One First Financial Center, Albuquerque, NM 87158
CALL PNM PUBLIC RELATIONS to formally document your complaint:
(505) 241-2700 (Business Hours, Monday-Friday)

The Silence from Other Political Leaders
As families face $100-$300 monthly billing increases from estimated usage, most of Alamogordo's political establishment has remained silent. City commissioners, county commissioners, and state representatives have offered no public statements, contacted no PNM leadership, and requested no regulatory investigations to date via any public statements. 

This is not a complex issue requiring expert analysis. Alamogordo families are being overcharged based on estimated usage. They cannot get explanations. They are suffering financial hardship.

Why Official Complaints Matter
The power to demand accountability rests with citizens, not political figures. Formal complaints to the Public Regulation Commission carry legal weight. Complaints to the Attorney General create an official record. Certified letters to corporate headquarters require documented response.
Social media posts change nothing. Official complaints to regulatory agencies change everything.

If enough residents file formal complaints, the Public Regulation Commission will be forced to investigate. If systematic overbilling is confirmed, PNM will face enforcement actions, penalties, and demands for customer remediation.

ACT NOW
Document your bills and usage patterns
File a complaint with the PRC online or by phone
Submit a complaint to the Attorney General's office
Send a certified letter to PNM Corporate demanding explanation
Call PNM Public Relations to formally document your complaint
Do not accept vague explanations. Do not allow PNM to hide behind customer service scripts. Make noise where it counts.

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August 14, 2026 — Timberon NM Byline Chris Edwards

The Timberon Water and Sanitation District has issued a mandatory boil water advisory effective immediately after E. Coli bacteria were confirmed in the water supply during routine testing on Wednesday. This mandatory directive follows weeks of precautionary boil advisories issued throughout July and represents an escalation in water quality concerns affecting residents of the district.
"This is a serious matter that requires immediate action from all residents," said a spokesperson for the Timberon Water and Sanitation District. "We are taking every step necessary to resolve this situation and restore safe drinking water as quickly as possible."
WHAT RESIDENTS NEED TO KNOW
The E. Coli bacteria were discovered during special water samples collected on August 14, 2026, in connection with routine line repair operations. This latest development marks a significant escalation from the precautionary boil advisories that were in effect multiple times during July.
Effective immediately, all residents served by the Timberton Water and Sanitation District must:
● Boil all water for at least three minutes before drinking or allow it to cool● Use bottled water as an alternative to boiled water● Use boiled or bottled water for brushing teeth, making ice, washing dishes, and preparing food
Continue these precautions until further notice from the water district.
HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH E. COLI CONTAMINATION
E. Coli bacteria indicate that water may be contaminated with human or animal waste. Consumption of contaminated water can cause serious gastrointestinal illness in individuals of all ages, though certain populations face heightened risk.
Symptoms of E. Coli contamination include:
● Severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps● Nausea and vomiting● Headaches● Fever in some cases
VULNERABLE POPULATIONS AT GREATER RISK
Health officials urge special caution for infants, young children, elderly individuals, and anyone with compromised immune systems. These populations should consult with their healthcare providers regarding the use of tap water and should prioritize bottled water consumption during this advisory.
Anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with E. Coli infection should seek medical attention immediately.
CONTEXT: JULY PRECAUTIONARY ADVISORIES
The current mandatory advisory comes after a series of precautionary boil water notices were issued multiple times throughout July. Those precautionary measures were implemented as a safeguard when water quality testing indicated potential vulnerability to contamination during routine maintenance operations.
While those July advisories were later lifted as precautionary measures, the detection of E. Coli bacteria this week has now prompted the escalation to a mandatory boil water advisory.

This distinction is critical—a mandatory advisory indicates confirmed contamination and requires immediate compliance by all residents.
WATER DISTRICT RESPONSE AND TIMELINE FOR RESOLUTION
Water System Operations Personnel from the Timberton Water and Sanitation District are actively working  to disinfect all affected areas within the distribution system. The water district has established an aggressive timeline for resolving the contamination.
According to district officials, they anticipate bringing water quality back to safe standards on or before August 17, 2026. Once bacterial testing confirms the elimination of E. Coli throughout the system, residents will receive notification that the boil water advisory has been lifted.
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions or additional information regarding the boil water advisory, residents should contact the Timberton Water and Sanitation District:
Wendy Case: (903) 327-6624
Alex Salas: (575) 932-8356
Residents are urged to share this information with neighbors, schools, businesses, nursing homes, and other community members who may not have received direct notification from the water district.
This is an ongoing situation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Residents should regularly check the Alamogordo Town News website and local news outlets for the latest information and directly with staff of the TWSD. 
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New Mexico’s electric grid has hit all-time highs as triple-digit temperatures strain the system, with PNM setting an all-time electricity demand record on August 3, 2026. The result? Some customers are reporting bills 15-20% higher than normal.
On top of the extreme heat, PNM implemented a rate increase in April 2026 adding roughly $6.23 to average residential bills, and summer months (June, July, August) see higher tiered rates when demand and electricity costs are at their highest.
If you’re struggling to pay right now — you’re not alone. And help is available starting Friday!
FREE ASSISTANCE: Up to $175 Grant + Payment Plans
The PNM Good Neighbor Fund is providing emergency bill relief to income-qualified customers. Here’s what you need to know:
 What You Can Get
• Up to $175 in direct bill assistance for customers receiving LIHEAP and/or SNAP benefits
• Help with payment arrangements for remaining balance
• One-time emergency assistance (no repayment required)
Who Qualifies
• Customers in Alamogordo, Tularosa, or Ruidoso
• Household income at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Level
• Proof of participation in LIHEAP or SNAP (current year)
• Have a past-due bill or disconnect notice (seniors 60+ exempt from this requirement)
GET HELP THIS WEEKEND
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15 — Extended Hours + In-Person Reps
 Alamogordo Payment Center
• Extended hours throughout the day
• In-person Good Neighbor Fund representatives available
• Walk-ins welcome
FRIDAY, AUGUST 17 — In-Person Assistance
 Ruidoso Payment Center
• In-person Good Neighbor Fund representatives
• Come get your application processed on the spot.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 — Final Chance for Extended Hours
 Alamogordo Payment Center
• Extended hours available
What to Bring (REQUIRED)
Come prepared with these documents to speed up the process and get approved:

1. Valid photo ID for every adult in the household (must match PNM account name)
2. Proof of LIHEAP approval OR Proof of SNAP participation (current year award letter)
3. Your current PNM bill (showing past-due balance or disconnect notice)
4. Proof of income (if available — recent pay stub, tax return, or benefit statement)
   Don’t have all documents? Staff will help you sort it out. Come anyway — it’s better to apply and get partial help than to wait.
   Additional Support Options
   Can’t make it in person?
   • Call the dedicated Good Neighbor Fund line: 844-378-5792
   • Email: pafollowup@pnm.com
   • Online: Visit PNM.com/help to start an application
   Per PNM Key Reminders
    You are only billed for the electricity you actually use
   A delayed bill alone will not result in disconnection
   Payment arrangements are available even without qualification for the full grant.
   Questions? Need clarification?
   • Call 844-378-5792
   • Visit PNM.com/goodneighborfund for full program details
   • Email pafollowup@pnm.com
   
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Independent Candidate Grace Nagamine’s Statement on Truth Commission Offers Sharp Rebuke to Rep. Block’s Cynicism

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Remembering A New Mexico Basketball Legend: Coach Frank Edward “Pancho” Dooley

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Letter to the Editor: Tularosa’s Water Crisis Is a Failure of Municipal Choice, Not an "Act of God" By Glenn Bell

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Frank Edward Dooley, affectionately known as "Coach Dooley" and "Pancho," passed away peacefully in Albuquerque on August 2, 2026, surrounded by his family. A devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, steadfast friend, lifelong athlete, and storied coach and teacher, he leaves a legacy that will endure far beyond his 93 years.

A Life Well-Lived
Frank was born on January 9, 1933, in Deming, New Mexico, to Frank and Evelyn Dooley. He graduated from Deming High School and attended Western New Mexico University in Silver City, where he met and later married his beloved wife, Norma "Jean" Chaudoin. A football player for the Mustangs, Frank was inducted into the Western New Mexico Hall of Fame. After graduating, he served two years in the Army as a Specialist Third Class and received an honorable discharge. Frank went on to earn his master's degree in mathematics from the University of Northern Iowa—a pursuit that reflected his lifelong commitment to education and self-improvement.
Frank and Jean raised their four children—Tim, Bryan, Sandy, and Warren—in Deming, where they built deep and lasting friendships throughout New Mexico. Through decades of shared experiences—countless PB&J sack lunches for basketball road trips, camping adventures along the Gila River, and innumerable New Mexican meals with close friends—Frank and Jean created a family culture centered on care, respect, and community.

A Champion Coach and Beloved Teacher
Frank was a renowned basketball coach and mathematics teacher whose influence shaped thousands of young people over his distinguished 40-year career. With an impressive career record of 446 wins and 215 losses, Coach Dooley became a fixture in New Mexico high school athletics.
He is especially celebrated for his tenure coaching the Deming Wildcats from 1963 to 1979, where he compiled 313 wins and led the team to four State Championships (1971, 1972, 1974, and 1976). Beyond Deming, Coach Dooley had additional coaching stints across New Mexico, including Silver, Alamogordo, Mayfield, St. Pius, and Cibola—communities where he left an indelible mark on young athletes and students.

His excellence was recognized throughout the region and nation: New Mexico Coach of the Year (1971-1972), National Basketball Coach of the Year for the Southwest Region (1972), induction into the New Mexico High School Coaches Hall of Fame (1990), and most recently, the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2025). The Deming High School basketball court was officially named "Frank Dooley Court" in 2010, and the school's new gymnasium was named in his honor in 2017—tributes that speak to the profound impact he had on his community.

Alamogordo: Building Champions and Leaders
During his coaching tenure in Alamogordo in the 1980s, Coach Dooley demonstrated the same championship mentality that defined his career. He led his team to a second-place finish at the state championship—a remarkable achievement that showcased his ability to build competitive programs across different schools and communities.
It was in Alamogordo where Coach Dooley's philosophy of holistic student development became particularly evident through his partnership with Coach Bob Sepulveda. Rather than viewing athletic programs in isolation, Dooley actively encouraged his basketball players to participate in Sepulveda's track and field program, understanding that well-rounded athletes and students thrive through diverse experiences.

Coach Sepulveda, whose name now graces Alamogordo's Tiger track and field program, remembered Dooley with deep respect and admiration:
"Coach Dooley was a true mentor who understood that our role went far beyond wins and losses. He was deeply committed to education and to developing rounded student success. He not only coached excellence on the court, but he made sure his players understood the value of pursuing excellence in the classroom and in every aspect of their lives. We worked well together because we shared the same philosophy—that we were building young people, not just athletes."

This collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment to student welfare set Dooley apart. He was respected not merely for his coaching acumen, but for his dedication to the total development of every young person in his care. While Coach Dooley was the head basketball coach and a mathematics teacher he was very supportive of Coach Sepulveda’s and his wife Marylin’s Cross Country teams. He encouraged his athletes to join both Bob and Marylin’s teams, helped with track meets and often socialized with the Sepulveda’s during his tenure in Alamogordo. 

The Teacher Behind the Coach
As a mathematics teacher, Frank brought the same patience, empathy, and intellectual rigor to the classroom that he demonstrated on the court. His students navigated algebra, trigonometry, and calculus under his careful guidance, and many counted him among their favorite teachers. Frank understood that teaching was a sacred trust—that young people needed to feel valued and believed in before they could truly learn.

A Man of Character
Throughout his life, Frank faced challenges on the court, in the classroom, and in his personal journey. He met each with a determined spirit, a positive attitude, and his signature sense of humor. He loved the outdoors—fishing, woodworking, camping—and was known for his strong slices and spins on the tennis court and his fierce competitive spirit in ping pong.

His family remembers his contentment after a "panza llena y corazón contento"—a full belly and happy heart—especially after enjoying spicy chicken sandwiches paired with mocha frappes topped with an extra chocolate drizzle. These simple pleasures reflected the wisdom at the core of his character: that life's greatest riches are found in relationships, good food, laughter, and time spent with those we love.

Just months before his passing, Coach Dooley was honored at The Pit in Albuquerque for the 50th anniversary of his 1976 championship team—a fitting tribute to a coach whose accomplishments spanned decades and whose legacy continued to be celebrated and cherished.

Frank credited his success in coaching to the community around him. He was a true leader who built a culture of care, respect, and discipline wherever he went. His wisdom and goodness live on in everyone who learned from him.

Legacy and Survivors
Frank is survived by his son Tim and his wife Cindy, and their daughters Chantel, Krista, and Tana; his son Bryan and his wife Holly; his daughter Sandy and her husband David, along with their children Laura, Melanie, Staci, Chase, Heather, and Aubrey; and his son Warren and his partner Kris, and their children Stuart, Andy, and Megan, as well as many great-grandchildren. Frank is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Jean, his twin brother Oscar, and his sister Frances.

Honoring His Memory
A private celebration of life will take place for Frank's immediate family. The larger community—the countless students, athletes, colleagues, and friends whose lives he touched—is invited to share memories and stories online and to donate in Frank's memory to the Frank Dooley DHS Scholarship Fund, established in 2013 to benefit Deming High School graduating seniors.

Donations can be sent to:
Coach James Williams
C/O Frank Dooley DHS Scholarship Fund
601 S. Granite St.
Deming, NM 88030

"Whenever you spent time with him, he made you feel like the most important person in the world. He had an infectious love for life and cared for his family and friends. He was the ultimate role model. There are a lot of people that talk but don't walk... he did it all."
Rest easy, Coach. Your legacy lives on in all of us.

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Tularosa, NM — The Village of Tularosa is confronting a critical water shortage that has forced officials to declare a formal emergency and implement a mandatory outdoor watering ban. In an emergency meeting Monday, the Village Council will vote on Resolution #2026-2027-9 while village leadership has outline both immediate relief measures and longer-term infrastructure solutions via social media communications. 
Water storage tanks have reached dangerously low levels. Commissioner Christopher Rupp explained why conservation is critical: “This is not simply about watering lawns or gardens. This is about ensuring that every home has water available for drinking, cooking, sanitation, and that adequate water is available for emergency services.”
Immediate and Long-Term Response
Trustee Casey Otero announced that the village has begun receiving emergency assistance from Oasis Enterprises to bring in additional water supplies. She emphasized the village’s comprehensive approach: “We are also actively exploring every other available option. These types of issues cannot be fixed overnight, but please know that we are working diligently to find both immediate and long-term solutions.”
The infrastructure challenges facing Tularosa are longstanding. Rupp noted: “These issues have existed for many years, well before the current Mayor and Board of Trustees took office. While the current administration inherited these longstanding infrastructure challenges, the Board has been actively working to address them.”
Since taking office, the Board has pursued:
• Securing additional water resources
• Repairing and improving existing infrastructure
• Seeking funding opportunities for long-term improvements
“Although projects of this size take time due to engineering, permitting, and funding requirements, the Board has recently made significant progress toward addressing these critical needs,” Rupp said.
Important Updates and Clarifications
Otero addressed several critical points: The village is awaiting legal guidance on certain aspects of the response. “We are still waiting on guidance from our attorney regarding certain parts of this situation, so I don’t have all of the answers just yet. As soon as we receive that information, we will share it with the community,” he said.
Regarding concerns about the upcoming school year: “This situation will not impact the start of the school year. Students will have access to drinking water and restrooms, so there is no concern in that regard.”
What Residents Must Do
The Village is asking residents to immediately implement the following conservation practices:
Outdoor:
• Complete ban on outdoor watering for lawns, gardens, and landscaping
Indoor:
• Take shorter showers
• Run laundry and dishwashers only with full loads
• Repair water leaks promptly
• Report significant water leaks to the Village immediately
Otero emphasized the personal stakes: “I received my own utility bill yesterday, and you’ll notice there is also a message asking residents to restrict outdoor watering. Every gallon we can conserve right now makes a difference.”
Community Response and Recognition
Village officials acknowledged public frustration while calling for unity. Otero stated: “I know everyone is frustrated, and I completely understand those feelings. Thank you to everyone who is conserving water, being patient, and supporting one another during this challenging time.”
Rupp reinforced the message of collective action: “Tularosa has always been a community that comes together when faced with challenges. By conserving water now and continuing to support investments in our infrastructure, we can help ensure a stronger and more reliable water system for generations to come.”
Rupp also expressed gratitude to village staff: “I want to express my appreciation to our water plant operators, Public Works employees, emergency responders, and everyone working behind the scenes to address this situation. Their dedication and hard work during this difficult time are greatly appreciated.”
Next Steps
The next regular council meeting is scheduled for August 19, 2026. For accessibility accommodations, questions about the emergency measures, or to report water leaks, residents can contact the Village Clerk at 585-2771.
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A Night in the Museum: Alamogordo’s Living History Came Alive in Ambitious Community Celebration

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ALAMOGORDO, NM — The Tularosa Basin Museum of History is hosting “Night at the Museum” on July 31, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, marking another chapter in the institution’s growing legacy as a premier research destination in southern New Mexicodedicated to community engagement and cultural preservation.
A Gateway to the Past, Open to All
Located at 1004 N. White Sands Boulevard in Alamogordo, the museum was established in 1970 and is owned and operated by the Tularosa Basin Historical Society. Housed in an incredible Pueblo Revival building, its exhibits range from prehistoric times to the Space Race, offering visitors a comprehensive journey through the region’s defining eras and transformative moments.
Tonight’s special evening programming exemplifies the museum’s mission to make history accessible and engaging for all ages. The institution is dedicated to the preservation of local history through exhibits, educational programs, and resources highlighting the cultural heritage of the Tularosa Basin area.
A Comprehensive Collection Spanning Centuries
The museum’s collection is remarkably diverse, reflecting the complexity and richness of the region’s past. The museum holds a bison trophy head, a collection of pottery from the La Luz Pottery Factory, and artifacts from prehistoric Native American tribes that were found in caves above Alamogordo. The collection includes over 3,000 historical photographs of the local area and an archive of historical documents, plus a small interactive theatre showcasing history with films created by area students.
Among the museum’s most prized possessions, a 47-star U.S. flag stands as the prize item in the collection. Meanwhile, the museum showcases various artifacts such as coveralls worn by the only scientist to walk on the moon and the Daisy Track used for testing acceleration effects, as well as the Sonic Wind rocket sled that made history as the Fastest Man on Earth.
Visitors can learn about the early Native Americans who lived in the area, White Sands National Park, the local railroad, La Luz pottery, ranching, scouting and more, viewing artifacts and stories from the days of early man to Alamogordo’s role in the atomic and space ages.
Recent Exhibitions Celebrate Untold Stories
The museum has recently expanded its exhibition scope to encompass narratives previously underrepresented in mainstream historical discourse. The Tularosa Basin Museum of History unveiled a powerful new exhibit titled “Black History in the Basin,” which shines a long-overdue spotlight on the Black families who helped shape Alamogordo and the surrounding region. This exhibit was curated by local historians and community leaders Joe and Debra Lewandowski.
Joe Lewandowski challenged long-held misconceptions about the region’s history—particularly the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers and the migration patterns of Black families to Alamogordo, noting that “Many of Alamogordo’s Black families arrived here through employment opportunities in the railroad and lumber industries”.
As the museum continues its mission to tell the full story of the Tularosa Basin, Black History in the Basin stands as a testament to the power of truth, representation, and community memory
Special Programs Enhance Community Connection
Beyond its permanent and rotating exhibitions, the museum serves as a cultural hub for education and engagement. The museum is open 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Saturday and offers tours of the La Luz Pottery Factory on Saturday mornings.
The La Luz Pottery Factory, a 235-acre property in La Luz, New Mexico, was built in 1930 by wealthy New England industrialist Roland Hazard and created over 90 styles of pottery that were actively collected around the world before closing in 1949. Many of the original buildings remain intact, and tours of the property are available through the Tularosa Basin Museum of History on Saturday mornings.
The museum is the base of operations for the Tularosa Basin Historic Society, which is instrumental in refurbishing the Dudley School, an important project that will showcase the authentic celebration of history, art and culture of the Hispanic community within the area.
Tonight’s Event: What to Expect
Tonight’s “Night at the Museum” continues a tradition of special evening programming designed to make the museum experience fresh and engaging for both longtime supporters and first-time visitors. Past similar events have featured ice cream socials priced at $2 per person or $5 per family, book sales featuring local history titles and rare finds, and interactive scavenger hunts that invite visitors to explore exhibits in an engaging way, with free admission to all events and welcoming all ages.
The evening format allows visitors to explore a diverse collection of exhibits that highlight the region’s history, including artifacts from Native American cultures, early settlers, and military history related to White Sands Missile Range. Visitors can explore photographs, documents, and installations that narrate the story of the basin’s development and its significance in New Mexico’s history.
Community Engagement and Support
The Tularosa Basin Museum of History is well-regarded for its comprehensive collection and enthusiastic, knowledgeable volunteer staff, with many reviewers emphasizing the museum’s ability to cover a broad range of local history within a relatively small space, including geology, Native American history, westward expansion, local culture, and military contributions to the region.
The Tularosa Basin Historical Society & Museum operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and relies on community support, membership dues, donations, and special events to sustain its mission. Tonight’s event represents both an opportunity for residents to enjoy a unique evening of historical discovery and a chance to support the institution’s ongoing preservation efforts.
Location and Accessibility
The museum benefits from public transit access with a Z-Trans stop across the street, making it easily accessible to residents throughout Alamogordo. The venue’s location in the downtown cultural arts and history district positions it as a centerpiece of Alamogordo’s commitment to preserving and celebrating local heritage.
Looking Forward
As Alamogordo continues to evolve as a modern community, institutions like the Tularosa Basin Museum of History serve a critical function in maintaining connection to the region’s past. Through efforts to tell the full story of the Tularosa Basin and welcome new voices into that narrative, the museum demonstrates the power of truth, representation, and community memory.
Join the Celebration
Tonight’s “Night at the Museum” runs from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at 1004 N. White Sands Boulevard, Alamogordo, NM 88310. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lifelong Alamogordo resident, a curious visitor, or simply seeking a meaningful evening activity, the museum invites you to step into the fascinating world of the Tularosa Basin.
For more information about tonight’s event or regular museum hours and programs, contact the Tularosa Basin Historical Society at (575) 434-4438 or visit their website at tbhsmuseum.org.

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For the first time in Alamogordo’s history, high school students may have a formal seat at the table where city decisions are made. The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission (MYAC), if approved by the City Commission on July 28, represents a bold new vision for civic engagement from Mayor Sharon McDonald—one that recognizes young people not as the future, but as essential voices for today.
“Step up. Speak out. Help shape Alamogordo’s future,” the program’s motto says. It’s an invitation that reflects McDonald’s conviction that meaningful change requires hearing from all generations, especially those who will live with the decisions made today for decades to come.

A Mayor’s Mission to Hear Youth Voices

Mayor McDonald has made youth engagement a centerpiece of her leadership. The MYAC represents the culmination of months of planning and reflects her belief that local government must actively seek out the perspectives, energy, and idealism that young people bring to community problem-solving.
“This is not just another program,” McDonald said in promoting the initiative. “This is about recognizing that our teenagers have valuable insights about what matters to them and to our community. When we listen to youth, we make better decisions.”
The MYAC is designed with genuine power-sharing in mind. These won’t be student representatives sitting silently in the back of city chambers. Instead, 16 youth commissioners—selected from Alamogordo high schools and NMSU-A—will hold elected leadership positions, run their own meetings, manage their own budget, and directly advise the Mayor on issues affecting their generation and the broader community.

Breaking New Ground

Alamogordo joins a growing national movement of cities that are investing in youth civic participation. But for this community, the MYAC represents uncharted territory. No previous mayor or commission has created such a formal, structured platform for youth voice in municipal governance.
“What makes this groundbreaking is not just that we’re inviting young people to participate,”… “It’s that we’re giving them real responsibility, real leadership, and real authority to shape priorities and drive projects,” explained Shelley Dowhanik-Baron, Community Development Director for the City of Alamogordo along with Co-Chair Vesta Sherrie Edmonds as the citizen advocate leader who led the initiative’s development phased 
The commission will consist of:
• 3 commissioners each from grades 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12
• 1 representative from NMSU-A
• Youth-elected officers including Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Media Coordinator
• Monthly meetings run by the students themselves, following Robert’s Rules of Order

Listening to the Next Generation

McDonald’s commitment to hearing from youth comes at a critical time. Across the country, young people are increasingly vocal about issues affecting them—mental health, climate change, education quality, economic opportunity, social justice, and their role in shaping their communities. The MYAC provides a structured channel for Alamogordo’s teenagers to voice these concerns directly to city leadership.
“Young people have ideas,” McDonald emphasized. “They understand technology, social media, and modern communication in ways we don’t. They have perspectives on public safety, recreation, economic development, and environmental issues that can genuinely improve how we govern.”
The program’s design reflects this philosophy. Rather than asking youth to simply advise on pre-determined issues, MYAC commissioners will identify their own priorities and propose projects aligned with their concerns.

Building Civic Leaders Today

Beyond the immediate community service and advisory functions, the MYAC serves a larger purpose: building a generation of engaged citizens. By giving teenagers meaningful roles in local government now, Alamogordo is investing in future voters, volunteers, board members, and leaders.
Research shows that young people who participate in civic engagement at the high school level are significantly more likely to remain civically active throughout their lives. They’re more likely to vote, volunteer, and run for office as adults.
“We’re not just asking our young people to clean up parks and volunteer at food banks—though those are important,” McDonald noted. “We’re teaching them how local government works, how to lead meetings, manage budgets, and advocate for change. We’re preparing them to be the leaders Alamogordo needs in 2030, 2040, and beyond.”

What MYAC Will Do

The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission will operate through both direct service and advocacy:
Service Projects:
• Community clean-ups and beautification efforts
• Food, toy, and school supply drives
• Senior center and animal shelter support
• Youth forums on issues like bullying, mental health, and youth-police relations
• Support for local events and community organizations
Civic Engagement:
• Advisory input on municipal issues and planning (such as the upcoming Comprehensive Master Plan)
• “Careers in Local Government” day for younger students
• Tours of municipal facilities and offices
• Participation in City Commission meetings
• Youth Lobby Day at the State Capitol

Leadership Development:

• Workshops on government, financial literacy, public speaking, media literacy, and advocacy
• Guest speakers from city departments, nonprofits, businesses, and Holloman Air Force Base
• Mentorship from city staff and community leaders
• Real budget and project management experience
The Details
The MYAC will meet monthly on the second Monday from 4:45 to 6:00 p.m. at Dudley School Community Center. The program carries a modest first-year budget of $3,100 for marketing, recruitment, supplies, training, and meeting support.
Importantly, the city’s commitment extends beyond dollars. The City Commission has pledged to:
• Support broad recruitment of commissioners and mentors
• Encourage schools, businesses, and community organizations to participate
• Promote youth voice in municipal decisions
• Receive annual reports and presentations from commissioners
Applications will be accepted through August 24, 2026, at www.alamogordo.gov/MYAC.
Selected youth commissioners will be sworn in at the September 8 City Commission meeting, with the inaugural meeting scheduled for September 14.
There are no experience requirements. The program seeks to represent diverse youth voices, welcoming students interested in leadership, service, government, or any aspect of community life.

A Model for the Future?

McDonald’s vision for the MYAC extends beyond its immediate impact. City officials hope the program becomes a model for youth engagement that could be replicated in schools, nonprofits, and other organizations throughout Alamogordo and beyond.
“If this works—and we believe it will—we’re showing other communities that young people are ready and willing to help govern,” an external youth advocate said. “We’re not talking about youth advisory commissions as something we might do someday. This city is about doing it right now.”
The timing is deliberate. With Alamogordo facing important decisions about housing development, air service, economic growth, and quality of life, McDonald wanted youth perspectives at the table.
“These young people will inherit the decisions we’re making today about water security, trails, economic development, and community character,” the Mayor noted. “It only makes sense to have their voices heard in those decisions right now and how to expand services and better engage youth in the future.”

Why It Matters

The MYAC reflects a fundamental shift in how Alamogordo views its young residents. Rather than seeing them as passive recipients of adult decisions, the city is recognizing them as active stakeholders in their community’s future.
For students, the benefits are significant:
• Real leadership experience and elected responsibilities
• Hands-on learning about municipal government
• Community service hours for college applications and scholarships
• Direct access to city officials and decision-makers
• Mentorship and skill-building in communication, advocacy, and problem-solving
For Alamogordo, the benefits are equally important:
• Fresh perspectives on community challenges
• Increased youth participation in civic life
• Service projects addressing real community needs
• Stronger connection between city government and the next generation
• A pipeline of engaged citizens who understand and care about their community

Looking Forward

The MYAC launch represents just the beginning of Mayor McDonald’s effort to deepen youth engagement. Applications open August 12, with the deadline set for August 24. Recruitment materials are being distributed to schools, community centers, and online through the city’s website and social media.
For teenagers wondering if their voice matters, if city leaders actually want to hear from them, the MYAC sends a clear message: yes.
“This is for the young person who cares about their community but wasn’t sure how to get involved,” advocates suggest“This is for the student who has ideas about how to make Alamogordo better. This is for anyone in grades 8-12 who wants to learn, lead, and make a difference.”
The Commission selecting 16 youth commissioners will be Alamogordo’s newest civic leaders, answerable to the Mayor and the commission, accountable to their peers, and responsible for representing the voice of youth in city government.
It’s a responsibility they’ll now have the chance to accept.

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