Snow predicted tonight in Sangre de Cristos

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque issued a warning of possible strong thunderstorms in the central highlands and eastern plains Tuesday afternoon with the potential for snow in the northern mountains above 8,500 feet in elevation. Up to 4 inches of snow could accumulate up in the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with more than 5 inches in places like Red River.

A storm system over Northern California is expected to grow stronger as it heads east across the Four Corners region on Tuesday and across central and Northern New Mexico into Wednesday. Forecasters say some areas may see heavy downpours, localized flooding, hail, and strong gusty winds. The storm should move out of the state late Wednesday or early Thursday.

Weather conditions and predictions can change rapidly. Travelers in the area should check the latest weather reports.

Las Campanas owes on water bills

Las Campanas LLC owes the city of Santa Fe more than $388,000 in unpaid water bills, according to a report to the city Finance Committee from Assistant City Attorney Marcos Martinez on Monday.

Martinez said the money was billed for deliveries of both potable water and treated effluent, and that LLC Vice President Mike Sanderson "hopes to resolve these amounts quickly."

The partnership that developed the luxury subdivision west of the city limits was also behind this summer on more than $1.5 million it owed the joint city/county Buckman Direct Diversion board for its portion of shared facilities that were recently constructed. A financial institution has taken the partnership into receivership and continues to negotiate with local government officials on a plan to change its role in the project.

"This is very enlightening," said Councilor Miguel Chavez, adding, "We want to be good neighbors, but we also want things done equitably, and when you sign an agreement you would hope that you follow through with that agreement."

Police ID teen killed in accidental shooting

Santa Fe police on Monday released the name of the 19-year-old accidentally shot in the head Friday night while playing with a handgun.

Aaron Morton was with three other friends in his bedroom at his home in the 200 block of MIramonte Street when the .380 handgun went off, police said. Morton was taken to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, where he died. Alcohol and marijuana were found in the room, said Sgt. Jason Wagner, a police spokesman.

Investigators still need to interview people in the case, but Wagner said he didn't expect any charges to be filed.

17 apply for 1st District judgeship

Seventeen applications have been received by the 1st Judicial Circuit Nomination Commission to replace retiring state District Judge James A. Hall.

The Commission will meet at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 5 to evaluate the applicants. The meeting is open to those who want to comment on the applicants.

Those seeking the seat are: Katherine A. Basham; T. Glenn Ellington; Steven G. Farber; Caren I. Friedman; Kurt B. Gilbert; Timothy R. Hasson; Michael R. Jones; Alisa C. Lauer.

Also nominated were: Mary Marlowe Sommer; Francis J. Mathew; Sharon L. Pino; Dennis C. Quintana; Sarah M. Singleton; Nathaniel V. Thompkins; David K. Thomson; Henry R. Valdez; and Aaron J. Wolf.

S.F. High puts greed onstage

The Santa Fe High School Theater Department presents an original production, 7th Event, over the next two weekends at the high school theater, 2100 Yucca Road.

7th Event is an original production by department chairman Joey Chavez and Ian Way, a 2005 graduate of the program. It features corporate greed, lust for power and a flu pandemic.

All shows are at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and again Oct. 30 and 31. For tickets and reservations, call 467-2970.

Train, bus link for UNM football fans

The New Mexico Rail Runner Express will coordinate with a shuttle Saturday to help riders get to the UNM football game.

Lobo fans can catch the commuter train to the new Lobo Special Events Platform and hop on a shuttle bus that will take them directly to the game. After the game, shuttles will take them back to the Downtown Albuquerque Rail Runner Station to catch a train home.

The Lobo Special Events Platform is on Commercial Avenue almost directly beneath Avenida César Chávez. Fares for the Lobo train and bus service will be the normal discounted zone fare for Saturday plus a $2 charge to ride the shuttle from the Lobo Special Events Platform to the game. One ticket to ride both the train and the shuttle can be purchased online or on the train.

Every Lobo home football game has a different start time, so those wanting to ride the train and catch the shuttle to the game should log onto www.nmrailrunner.com for the latest scheduling information.

Comcast heads to court over site ban

Comcast has been summoned to court next month to prove to a judge that the company may install cable on private property.

On Thursday, state District Judge Raymond Ortiz signed a temporary restraining order banning Comcast employees from "any further action with respect to the cable previously laid" at 814 Gonzales Road.

The homeowner, David C. Betzler, said in his application that Comcast construction manager Dave Aiken and other employees "installed Comcast cable underground and across my private property without my consent and without legal authority."

A hearing to determine if the ban should be permanent is set for 10:30 a.m. Nov. 3 before state District Judge Daniel Sanchez. Betzler and his lawyer, Ron Van Amberg, declined comment.

Comcast spokesman Chris Dunkeson declined to comment on the litigation, but said he believes the issue involves an existing cable.

"My understanding of the situation is that there's a dispute among the neighbors about an unresolved easement," he said. "Beyond that, I'm not real sure what's going on. I don't think we've done any work out there."

City crews begin roadside cleanups

Santa Fe city parks crews are scheduled to clean medians and roadsides on major arterial roads beginning today.

A news release said work will begin on Zia Road, followed by Rodeo Road, St. Michael's Drive, St. Francis Drive and Old Pecos Trail.

The work is expected to take two to three weeks to complete.

Ruidoso examines teen suicides

RUIDOSO — Authorities and school officials in the Ruidoso area are helping students deal with what is believed to be a string of teenage suicides.

In the last two months, three teenagers and a 24-year-old have committed suicide. The teenagers were students in the Ruidoso and Mescalero school districts. Mescalero Police Chief William Mitchell says two died from gunshot wounds and two died from hangings.

Mitchell is also investigating the apparent suicide of the 24-year-old and the death of a 26-year-old man. Both occurred within the same period.

Investigators are waiting for autopsy reports.

Meanwhile, Ruidoso High School officials are providing counseling to students.

Bond plan for Railyard projects moves forward

A city plan to begin discussions on more public bonds projects for the Santa Fe Railyard gained approval Monday from the city Finance Committee.

The resolution approved on a vote of 2-1 would give the city manager permission to conduct legwork on a bond issue to help pay for the completion of a movie theater and a transportation hub on the city-owned land. Although the resolution originally specified bonds should cover up to $35 million, the resolution language would not feature a specific amount.

Councilor Miguel Chavez was the committee member who voted against the idea, noting that he didn't want the city to subsidize the private movie theater.

Councilor Rebecca Wurzburger, a measure sponsor, and Councilor Chris Calvert voted to move the measure to the full City Council for a vote.

The city already issued bonds to purchase the Railyard property. Leaders envisioned that tracts of the public land would be developed and leased by private partners. The space earmarked for the cinema project is leased to a development firm, but it has been unable to build it because of changes in the financial market.