Landslide washes out road to N.M. observatory
MAGDALENA, N.M. (AP) A landslide has washed out the road to an observatory in southwestern New Mexico, forcing some employees to leave the facility.
Heavy rains hit many parts of New Mexico on Friday. The landslide washed out Water Canyon Road near Magdalena, which leads to the Magdalena Ridge Observatory.
An official at New Mexico Tech says about six people were at the observatory at the time of the landslide. All but two left the research site, and the remaining workers will help clear the road with equipment left on the ridge.
Moose population thriving on Grand Mesa
MESA (AP) The population of moose on the Grand Mesa on the Western Slope has doubled to about 150 animals since reintroduction efforts began in 2005.
The Division of Wildlifes introduction of 75 moose on the mesa has become a self-sustaining population. It is touted as a sign of success in Colorados reintroduction efforts that began in 1978.
With more moose sightings on the Grand Mesa as the population grows, wildlife officials are conducting presentations on safe viewing. Moose dont run away from people, but at several hundred pounds, they can severely injure or kill people if spooked.
Lawmakers object to cut in federal labs budget
FORT COLLINS (AP) Members of Colorados congressional delegation are rallying to fend off a 70 percent cut in funding for a federal lab in Fort Collins researching such infectious diseases as West Nile virus and yellow fever.
President Barack Obamas proposed 2011 budget would slash the labs budget from $39 million to $12 million. The labs supporters say that could mean the loss of about 100 jobs.
The Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases is part of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S. Sens. Mark Udall and Michael Bennet wrote in a letter to Senate budget officials that the proposed budget reduction would severely compromise public health.
Plans for new wind farm under way in Arizona
PHOENIX (AP) Arizona Public Service Co., will be the beneficiary of a new wind farm south of the Grand Canyon.
Florida-based NextEra Energy Resources is planning construction of 62 wind turbines by 2012 for the high desert.
When the wind blows, the company expects to generate enough power for about 25,000 homes.
APS and NextEra Energy said the wind farm will sell power to Arizonas largest utility.
The building price was not disclosed. But based on industry averages, it would cost more than $200 million to build a wind farm of that size.
About 20,000 acres of private and public land will be needed for the wind farm.
Man again convicted of 2002 slaying
GEORGETOWN (AP) A jury convicted a man of killing his cousins friend for practice for possible slayings during robberies.
Thirty-one-year-old Brent McKellip was convicted this week in Clear Creek County District Court of first-degree murder in the 2002 slaying of Mark Francis. McKellip was also sentenced to serve life in prison.
McKellips earlier conviction was overturned by the Colorado Court of Appeals in 2006.
Clear Creek District Attorney Mark Hurlbert said McKellip and two others planned a series of home-invasion robberies and believed it might be necessary to kill the occupants. Hurlbert said McKellips wanted an easy target for practice and choose Francis, who was best friends with McKellips cousin, Zack McKellip.
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