![Otto Rigan, image courtesy of his studio web page](https://sierracountycitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/Otto-Rigan.jpeg)
A sculptor with a career in creating art for public spaces is making his home here--a new light in the area.
Read MoreOtto Rigan’s sculptures speak to us in the universal language of forms![Quiet walk along FR40E](https://sierracountycitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/The-road-277x600.jpg)
After almost a two year battle to reopen Forest Road 40E west of Kingston to public access, we prevailed. The lock is removed and the entry to Middle Percha Canyon is opened with a permanent easement. This story reflects the joy felt by lovers of the canyon.
Read MoreUnexpected joy![](https://sierracountycitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/images.png)
Five "directors" will be appointed to run the new flood-control taxing district that was approved by Sierra Countians Nov. 5. These volunteer directors will serve about a year, until the electorate can choose their representatives during local elections, November 2025.
Read MoreAny qualified, savvy volunteers out there who want to be a flood-control director?![Dona Ana County Commissioner Shannon Reynolds](https://sierracountycitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/638597570768170000.jpg)
The uses of the spaceport gross receipts tax keeps growing and expanding, as does the spaceport's need for it. Will local taxes forever subsidize the spaceport? Dona Ana County's especially?
Read MoreWill spaceport GRT go to new capital projects?![Image courtesy of the International City/County Management Association](https://sierracountycitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/ICMA-image.png)
If the city commission doesn't sharply define city problems, it can't seek or hire a city manager with the needed qualities to address them.
Read MoreFive city managers in five years—T or C city commission needs to change its selection process![Woods and trail along Percha Creek.](https://sierracountycitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/DSC00403-600x399.jpg)
The Citizen republishes here Ben Neary’s article from the New Mexico Wildlife Federation’s website. There will be a follow up from Steve Morgan and Nichole Trushell on behalf of the Percha Creek Association, the other successful claimants in this litigation.
Read MoreJudge orders landowners to open road to Aldo Leopold Wilderness trailhead![Image courtesy of New Mexico Tax and Revenue Department's Facebook page](https://sierracountycitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/272660621_238525751794663_2551196213656082385_n.jpg)
You'll have a little more cash for stocking stuffers after paying taxes this year, unless your property is in T or C.
Read MoreLower property taxes for Sierra Countians, Villagers and Elephant Butteans—sorry TorCeans![Ancient coin from Sardis (Turkey) with caduceus (c. 140-144 CE)](https://sierracountycitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/668px-Munze_aus_Sardes_mit_Hermesstab1-557x600.jpg)
ProPublica investigates more health care problems. It details how UnitedHealth uses its statistical data to find mental health patients to deny payment for care, sometimes forcing therapists and doctors to withdraw care. It’s all part of “saving money,” “efficiency,” responsible sounding terms in corporate PR speak for "profit" and "greed."
Read MoreWhat you need to know, November 20, 2024: Got health insurance?![](https://sierracountycitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/Foothills-final-graphic-600x529.jpg)
This year’s annual event takes place on Saturday December 7th in Hillsboro and Kingston.
Read MoreChristmas in the Foothills![New Mexico Finance Authority's building sign](https://sierracountycitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/242734481_103889532056932_444070771358319501_n-600x260.jpg)
Thank goodness the city was not brought to account and punished for bad management, lack of planning and neglect of the water and wastewater infrastructure. Breaking ground on critical waterline replacement is about a year out while engineers draw up plans.
Read MoreGift horses that made water and wastewater projects possible![Movie poster, image courtesy of Wikipedia](https://sierracountycitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/ButImACheerleader-1.jpg)
We'd rather have evidence that spending hundreds of thousands on gas and not upping police officers' salaries is solving the police department's revolving door problem.
Read MorePD recruitment-retention-policy critique answered with fluff![Ancient coin from Sardis (Turkey) with caduceus (c. 140-144 CE)](https://sierracountycitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/668px-Munze_aus_Sardes_mit_Hermesstab-557x600.jpg)
In this long-term investigation of Lincare, the largest supplier of oxygen equipment in the country, Pro-Publica shows how government regulation of the healthcare industry has been unable to prevent the growth of a new business model that lives by scamming.
Read MoreWhat you need to know, November 11, 2024: On oxygen?