The following story comes from La Relación by Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca. First submitted as an official report to King Charles V of Spain in 1537, it recounts events from Cabeza de Vaca’s journey through Texas between 1528 and 1536.

The story begins in late summer. Members of the Karankawa and Coahuiltecan tribes of the Texas coast were gathered around a campfire. The flickering light illuminated happy faces; life was easy. They had spent the day gorging on prickly pear fruit—which they called tuna—and now enjoyed small talk, while children danced and young boys wrestled in the dirt. Laughter echoed up and down the small arroyo where they had taken shelter.

As night fell, elders began retiring to their wickiups—curved, grass-enclosed huts that served as homes. The surrounding fields hummed with the steady chirp of crickets.

Suddenly, everything changed.

Stay Tuned! The ending will be on next issue

He was born in the year of the Fire Horse, with both the moon and Venus in Aries. He came into the world at home in La Colonia, near El Rito. His roots run deep—far deeper than his family’s long history here in Mora, stretching back to before they first arrived in the New World in the 1600s. He was born into a lineage of witches.

His grandmother knew the forest well. She could recognize plants at a mere glance, and if you felt unwell, she would offer manzanilla, oshá, or chamisa. She knew the poisons just as well.

THIS STORY WILL CONTINUE IN TWO WEEKS, SORRY ITS A HALLOWEEN STORY!

It started, at least for me, in 1974. One day at school, we heard that a huge, prized bull had been found dead on Lassie Fahey’s ranch. There were no footprints, bullet holes, or marks from an animal attack; it was just dead and mutilated.

Around the same time, stories of witches dancing in La Cañada del Comanche and strange, dancing light orbs in the forest were dismissed. Then came stories of pranksters going around killing and mutilating cows—though some of these mutilations took place way up in the high country.

I personally witnessed two jets chasing an orb in 1977. I wasn’t alone; I had driven my mother to Chacón to visit her sister, and it happened just as we pulled into Holman. The orb, a bright ball of light, was flying just above the mountain treetops. It moved fast, darting almost like a fish reacting to a predator—confident that it was faster than whatever was chasing it. It was a weird sensation, as if it were simply toying with the jets before they all took off over Mora and disappeared.

Later, I watched Disclosure Day, and it took me right back to those horrible mutilations. Why the huge holes? After much discussion, some guys from Mora and I decided the aliens simply needed to eat. It made sense at the time. Roswell was just down the road. If other beings had witnessed their comrades crash-land in Roswell, the mountains would be the perfect place to hide. They were stranded and hungry. Little grey men with little grey mouths probably like soft, slimy food—like menudo. The mutilations showed they only took the soft parts: the guts, stomach, intestines, and bowels. Why? To eat, we suspected.

The movie made a great point: if the Bible has us believing in superior beings, and now there might actually be superior beings on Earth, how should we act? But to me, the whole alien situation comes down to what we’ve always known in Mora: you’ve still got to eat.

In our case, these “Gods” hide in the mountains and eyeball our cattle the way we look at a juicy burger. They’ve been our reality in Mora for years. They might be superior beings, but they probably still love to sit down and eat some menudo—just without the chile, onion, or oregano, and skipping the tortilla and posole.

It was a sunny day in May when Captain George Sykes heard the news: soldiers were trading government supplies from Fort Union for sexual favors. Sykes flew into a rage.

Upon learning that soldiers were stealing government property and trading it for sex and alcohol, Sykes decided to make an example of them. The traded goods included food rations, boots, jackets, and other supplies. Sykes soon learned that the women involved had set up camp in nearby caves.

Sykes raided the encampment and rounded up the accused women. In full view of local onlookers, he had their heads shaved by force. Shamed and humiliated, the women were barred from returning to the fort. In Spanish, local residents dubbed the site El Cañon de las Pelonas (”The Canyon of the Bald Women”).

However, the women’s desire to acquire government property outweighed the shame. They packed up their belongings, abandoned the caves, and headed straight for La Loma Parda.

Loma Parda—whose name translates to “Tan,” “Brown,” or “Tawny Hill”—was established in 1835 by Spanish and Genízero families. In the 1840s, it was a quiet settlement of roughly 500 residents. All of that changed with the arrival of the military at Fort Union.

What began in 1850 as a rudimentary log fort underwent continuous upgrades, eventually becoming the “Third Fort” (1863–1869)—a massive, permanent installation. Its immense Quartermaster and Ordnance Depots made it the largest military post in the American Southwest.

That sudden concentration of wealth and military activity drew people like flies. The residents of Mora quickly realized that a steady stream of goods flowed into Fort Union. At the same time, the soldiers stationed in the far West—assigned to guard the endless flow of settlers and traders on the Santa Fe Trail—were far from home. Some found their deployment exciting, while others were simply lonely.

Loma Parda grew rapidly—first as a place to spend money, drink, gamble, and raise hell, and by 1855 as the premier destination for weary travelers who had just endured the long trek across the Great Plains.

The arrival of a trail train must have been quite a sight. Wagons traveled in caravans of 20 to 50 vehicles, guarded by wagonmasters and teamsters (known as “mule skinners” or “bullwhackers”) driving heavy 10-to-12-oxen or 6-to-8-mule teams. They rolled along alongside massive Murphy freight wagons, classic Conestogas, and humble prairie schooners. Stagecoaches, which had been running monthly mail and passenger service between Independence, Missouri, and Santa Fe since May 1850, also kicked up dust on the road.

By the time these travelers reached Fort Union or the stage station near Watrous, they were thirsty and eager for recreation.

To blow off steam, settlers, traders, mule skinners, and soldiers all headed to Loma Parda. It was the place to be on a Friday or Saturday night. Julian Baca’s Saloon was open practically 24/7. The town’s dance halls, cantinas, and saloons all needed women to stay profitable, offering local women from Mora a rare chance to earn an independent income. As the saying went, it was better to be a bailadora than a dirt farmer.

The debauchery earned the town a notorious nickname: “The Sodom on the Mora.” Everything was for sale. By the 1860s, few places in the American West were wilder; only San Francisco during the 1849 Gold Rush or the lawless borderlands rivaled it.

This wild era lasted for decades. The end finally came in the late 1880s, when the arrival of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway in Las Vegas rendered wagon trains and Fort Union obsolete.

And what became of the women? They likely assumed their stories would blow over and that the history of La Loma Parda would fade into the dust. But their legacy lives on in genetic code.

DNA doesn’t lie. It doesn’t listen to rumors, chisme, or mitote. Looking at my own results—which made my jaw hit the floor when I first saw them—is less like reading a romantic novel and more like listening to a song. To the cadence of Mambo No. 5:

A little bit of English on the side,

A little bit of Irish in the eve,

A little bit of Pueblo in the sun,

A little bit of Basque to get things done,

A little bit of Crypto-Jew hiding in the pines,

A little bit of Italian to say “basta” to the pasta... And more

As a child, I overheard hushed kitchen conversations about an aunt of my grandmother who had eight children by eight different men. When the adults realized I was listening, they switched to Spanish, assuming it was a secret code. But I understood every word before being chased out of the room!

I’m not saying all that diverse DNA came directly from La Loma Parda... but if not from there, then where?

It has been a while since a newspaper existed in Mora Valley. Hopefully, that changes with the introduction of the Pioneer Press of Mora Valley—a publication focused strictly on news for the people.

As Publisher, Editor-in-Chief, and Manager, I am excited to present this first edition. The paper will cover essential local topics, including county commission meetings, school board decisions, and FEMA-related updates. Above all, it will be completely objective: I will not take sides, nor will this paper ever be used to settle scores or air personal grievances.

While I am well aware of past local blunders and political missteps, my intent is to wipe the slate clean. I will not cover old news for the sake of gossip or entertainment. Instead, I will attend local meetings, take notes, capture photos, and write non-biased articles based solely on what I observe. When we highlight local personalities, those feature stories will be positive, upbeat, and entertaining.

The Pioneer Press will be printed in full color as a four- to eight-page edition, starting with an initial run of 200 copies priced at $1 each. For local businesses, placing an ad means reaching readers across these 200 print copies as well as a wider digital audience via online PDFs. Because I don’t use heavy industrial rolling presses, production costs remain low—allowing me to keep advertising rates fair and reasonable.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication with an emphasis in print journalism from New Mexico Highlands University, where I served as Editor-in-Chief of the student newspaper, La Mecha. My last journalism role before local print media declined was right here in Mora. I also hold a Level II K–8 Teaching License from the State of New Mexico. Having recently entered semi-retirement, I am returning to my true passion.

Almost every article will be original—even the horoscopes! I avoid canned material, and while I occasionally use AI tools like Gemini and Copilot to assist me artistically, I will never use AI to replace human journalism. To me, AI is a tool, not a substitute for human thought.

Finally, this newspaper will leave national political noise at the door. My focus is entirely on our local culture, people, and land.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy the Pioneer Press of Mora Valley.

What was taken for granted for so long has now become a question mark. For decades, residents of Mora County drank water from private wells without a second thought. It was clean, clear, and safe. Now, however, there are growing concerns.

Since the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, water quality has become uncertain. Is it still safe to drink? Reports of heavy metals and contaminants from fire retardants dropped by air tankers have left many residents fearful and asking: Are we being poisoned? And what can we do to protect ourselves?

The water I use in Holman is clear, cold, and odorless—what many would consider “sweet water.” It comes straight from my well. However, other well water in Holman smells like sewage due to high sulfur content, leading some to call it “black water.” Yet, both types have historically been considered safe to drink.

My well water comes from deep underground aquifers fed by snowmelt and rainfall, naturally containing calcium and magnesium leached from limestone. The rotten-egg smell in other local wells comes from naturally occurring sulfur compounds, while iron and manganese can be found in both. Now, added anxiety over heavy metals like arsenic and uranium has compounded these fears.

One relatively inexpensive way to secure clean drinking water is by using a reverse osmosis (RO) system. RO systems filter out most contaminants and heavy metals, producing water that is as close to pure as possible. You can taste the difference immediately. After installing an RO system, the aroma of my morning coffee was so rich I was convinced my wife had picked it up from McDonald’s. Food tastes better, and best of all, there is no mineral buildup clogging appliances, making descaling a thing of the past. Drinking water, cooking, and ice making are all noticeably improved.

RO filters are designed to handle all types of water. I tested one on my sister’s well water, which had a strong sulfuric scent. The four-stage filtration system removed every trace of the sulfur odor, leaving behind super-soft, clean water.

Using an RO system made me realize I should have installed one long ago. If you still drink raw well water, investing in a reverse osmosis filter for your home is a smart move. The clean, chilled water and ice are well worth the investment to protect yourself and your family.

Step 1: Visit Brad Sena at the Mora County Sheriff’s Office to obtain your E-911 Address Verification for Wood form.

Step 2: Go to the Mora County Courthouse (upstairs) and see Jeanie Abeyta at the Manager’s Office or Julie Martinez at the Finance Office to receive your voucher.

Step 3: Take your voucher to the County Wood Yard to load your firewood. Each voucher covers either two trailer loads or four truckloads.

Note: Home delivery is available for elderly and physically disabled residents. Please contact the Mora County Manager’s Office at (575) 387-5925 for details.

The duties of an elected official can often seem confusing and overwhelming. During a disaster or emergency, residents feel an urgent need to contact their representatives—and as an elected official, you need to hit the ground running.

If you plan to run for office and make a difference in our county, here is a breakdown of what the role entails:

Legislative & Human Resources Power As an elected county commissioner, you will have the authority to enact laws, establish job duties, and screen and hire personnel.

Fiscal Management & Operations Your core responsibility is fiscal management and budgeting. You will hold the authority and responsibility for county infrastructure, roads, and solid waste—including the power to establish, maintain, or discontinue county roads and bridges.

Executive & Administrative Oversight You will hold executive power over county business, including administrative oversight and hiring and firing authority. While the Board of County Commissioners appoints the Mora County Manager to execute board policies, retain legal representation, and approve interlocal agreements, the day-to-day operations remain under the manager’s direction to fulfill your vision for your constituents.

Collaborative Governance In short, as a county commissioner, you will hold the power of the purse alongside legislative authority. You will work with two other commissioners to balance the budget, fix roads, and manage personnel. You will also collaborate with the sheriff, assessor, clerk, treasurer, and other elected officers to ensure the county seat runs smoothly.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Pay: Salary or stipend

• Meeting & Travel Allowances: Per diem, meeting fees, and full expense reimbursements for mileage, meals, lodging, and continuing education/training while in service to the county

• Benefits: Access to county health insurance, life insurance, and public retirement/pension plans

Pro Tip: Learn Robert’s Rules of Order before taking office.

The technology provides a high-performance pavement and base course stabilization.

Using this technology is simple: Transform soil, dirt, dust and aggregate road bases into rock-hard, concrete-like foundations without spending a dime on Portland cement.

In nature, sedimentary lithification, sand, silt and mud transforms pieces of sediment into rock, that process usually takes thousands to millions of years, Lith Tec can make sediment into stone in just 48 hours.

The mechanism Lith Tec uses naturally occurring minerals and accelerators to trigger accelerated lithification, turning earth to stone in 24 to 48 hours.

The process on rural roads that take a pounding everyday would make them concrete-like able to withstand massively heavy loads without breaking. It can create roads without expansion joints, and provides a high structural strength while maintaining flexibility and preventing the road from cracking and buckling.

Usually, when a bid goes out to build a road, factors like truckloads of base course, chip seal, and concrete for bridges is considered, but with Lith Tec there is no need to spend money on something not needed. Just by using what is already there, reusing old asphalt, and base course can save $200,000 per mile.

Jim Gray from Lith Tec says these are roads that handle several-ton vehicles everyday, all day long and still not show evidence of falling apart.

Photos of Gray’s demonstration show the results. Gray said a concrete cutting saw was needed to cut the larger piece.

At the regular Mora County Commissioners meeting on August 20, 2026, the Board addressed several key county reports, infrastructure updates, and community concerns:

• U.S. Forest Service & Fire Updates: The Forest Service reported that excess firewood collection from Carson National Forest is limited to a 45-mile radius, which covers parts of Mora County. Roadwork is currently underway on Capulin Road and Monte Aplanado Road. Gary Martinez, Liaison Officer with California Team 8 CIIMT, updated the Board on the Frijoles Fire, which has reached 14,000 acres with 13% containment in steep, rugged terrain; no Mora County communities are currently threatened. Air Resource Advisor Rob Fischer highlighted local air quality sensors at fire stations and recommended staying indoors with air conditioning or using a box fan paired with a high-quality furnace filter to filter out smoke.

• County Infrastructure & Facilities: The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) building is undergoing drainage improvements and will soon share a unified septic line with the library. Utility work for water, electricity, and drainage will wrap up before asphalt is laid, with framing and sheetrock set to begin shorty. Occupancy is projected for October 28, 2026. Additionally, the Veterans Memorial Plaza is now 99% complete.

• Extension Office & Prairie Dog Concerns: Extension Agent Jessica Weber declared the combined San Miguel/Mora Fair a success. She also alerted the Board that individuals and animal activist groups have been dumping prairie dogs in northeastern New Mexico. The Board discussed potential legal consequences and referred the matter to law enforcement.

• Water Protection & Public Input: Special Project Coordinator Andrew Haulzinger presented a draft of the NMED Drinking Water Bureau Source Water Protection Plan for West Mora’s public water system. Resident Gina Pacheco requested a resolution regarding Pacheco Road, a private road accidentally annexed by the county in 2020. The Commissioners promised to investigate, noting the error occurred prior to their tenure.

• Local Media & Road Innovation: Publisher Raymond Sanchez introduced Mora’s local newspaper, emphasizing its focus on positive community stories rather than crime reporting. Finally, Jim Gray of Lith Tec demonstrated a proprietary technology that transforms base course, gravel, chip-seal, and asphalt into durable, concrete-like surfaces resistant to freeze-thaw damage. Impressed by the demonstration, the Board expressed interest in testing the process on a county road.

The meeting concluded with standard administrative business and budget actions.

This is a complicated story but it highlights Mora’s early history. It was a time before the 1835 Mora Land Grant was authorized by Governor Albino Perez in September 1835. The Land Grant was huge, 800,000 acres and an area equal to 1,250 square miles. The Grant was given to 76 Vecinos.

Vecinos came from Penasco and Picuris Pueblo. In the late 1700s there were disputes about land and water between the Pueblo and their Spanish Vecinos.. The Spanish settlers and Genizarios were then given permission to settle the Mora Valley. Settlers were called Vecinos simply because they were the Picuris Pueblo’s neighbors.

The official reason the Mexican Governor gave for the land grant was to act as a buffer zone. A buffer zone that sharpened the people of Mora Valley like a fine blade.

And before the Land Grant a fortunate occurrence happened that changed New Mexico forever. In 1821 in Franklin Missouri was William Becknell, a trader, businessman and respected resident, however, he had recently been arrested for not paying his bills. In 1819 a panic over paper money had everyone rejecting paper money. It was becoming worthless. Becknell was jailed and released on a $400 bond. Desperate to avoid having all his possessions, land, home and business inventory seized by the local sheriff and him to debtor’s prison he came up with a plan.

His plan was to head west to trade with Indians so he put an ad in the newspaper and signed up 5 men. Their intent was to hunt wild stock and horses in the Indian Territories. Becknell took about $300 worth of cloth like calico, cotton prints, small iron tools, knives, needles, scissors, buttons, thread, ribbons and small brass ornaments. He took mirrors, small utensils, and minor household trinkets. He also carried traps, ammunition, firearms and camp gear. Remember $300 could buy a lot in those times. He and his companions came up with the initial money.

If Becknell had come one year earlier he would have been arrested and his goods confiscated, but in 1821 the people of New Mexico became Mexican, as a result of the Mexican Revolution. While on patrol a Mexican military patrol encountered Becknell and was met warmly by Captain Pedro Gallego and escorted to Santa Fe.

Mexican Governor Facundo Melgares, ironically the same Spanish Governor who had Zebulon Pike arrested and sent to Chihuahua as a prisoner, was overjoyed to see what Becknell had brought. For years people in New Mexico were the end of the line commercially. 1500 miles from Mexico City and forgotten during the Revolution, Santa Fe was desperate for goods. The bolts of cloth Becknell bought in Missouri for 20 cents sold for $2. All in all his $300 investment netted a gross profit of $6000. When Becknell returned to Franklin he reportedly slit a bag of coins that spilled onto the street. The Mexican silver pieces of eight were the perfect backing for paper money. He paid his bills and became a rich man. He started the Santa Fe Trail.

In 1835 the first families started settling Mora Valley. In 1837 the Chimayo Revolt over taxes and lack of representation occurred. Mexican President Santa Anna had taken local power away from New Mexicans and given it to a central power base in Mexico City.

Albino Perez,(the same who authorized the Mora Land Grant) appointed Governor, was an outsider and hated. Rebels demanded self governance, a stop to unfair taxes and a protection of traditional customs. Perez was attacked and killed and New Mexico’s first Indigenous Governor was appointed.

Jose Gonzalez, a Genizario.

Genizarios were natives basically without a tribe since they were assimilated by Spanish settlers and treated as Spanish/Mexican citizens. Gonzales was a skilled buffalo hunter, however, his office didn’t last long before he was killed by Mexican Forces and southerner Manuel Armijo reclaimed New Mexico.

The same Santa Anna who caused the Chimayo Rebellion also triggered Texas’s bid to become a free nation. Texas declared its independence from Mexico on March 2,1836, officially becoming the Republic of Texas.

It was a hot August day in 2001—a year marked by severe drought, heat, and wind. The porch of a 93-year-old resident of Mora was filled with dried fruits, jams, jellies, and other delectable treats. In a tragic turn of events, a black bear tore through the screen of her kitchen window and crawled inside. The bear viciously attacked and killed her while she was making jam. Hunters and their bloodhounds tracked it down and terminated it near the Mora River.

Now, on another hot, windy, and dry August, there are reports of bears killing chickens, roaming onto people’s porches and yards, and even peering through large glass patio doors. One bear was spotted atop a power pole in eastern New Mexico, and remarkably, another entered a home near Las Vegas.

Following the massive wildfire, the natural habitat that usually provides sustenance—dense pine forests, piñon seeds scattered across the ground, juicy wild berries, apple trees laden with plump fruit, and gardens packed with fresh vegetables—is scarce this year.

With natural food sources depleted, bears view human settlements as an easy target. They venture into neighborhoods, raiding garbage cans and creating chaos. As opportunistic omnivores, bears will consume almost anything, including paper, plastic, foil, and spoiled food. If you spot a bear, lock your doors, close your windows, and avoid frying strong-smelling foods. Left unprotected, pets, children, the elderly, and even healthy adults are potential targets.

In the Mora Valley, we have lived alongside predators for centuries—from thin, hungry coyotes to ravenous black bears. We are constantly watched: magpies (urracas) linger near front doors, while vultures soar half a mile overhead. Hawks, falcons, eagles, and crows (cuervos) wait for an opportunity to snatch small puppies or kittens, and owls hunt cats under the cover of night. Skunks operate as silent, nocturnal threats as well. Then there are the big cats: bobcats will prey on a house cat right on your porch, and mountain lions (pumas) will stalk you while you track deer—a stark reminder of the hunter becoming the hunted.

Be proactive. We know it is hot, dry, and windy, and that water is scarce, but lock your doors, close your windows, and stay prepared. If you do not own or support the use of firearms, keep air horns, fireworks, or other noisemakers on hand—you don’t need to kill the animal, just frighten it away. Avoid leaving piles of trash in the beds of old pickup trucks; it provides easy scavenging for hungry wildlife. While covering trash helps deter birds, it won’t stop bears, which can catch the scent of food from miles away when the wind shifts.

Above all, never assume you can outrun, outclimb, or overpower a bear. Respect their danger and leave them alone. While they generally avoid conflict, a loud noise or reliable deterrent is your best line of defense. If firearms are out of the question, keep bear spray close at hand.

The lingering burn scar over Holman is clearly visible in this aerial photo, captured straight above the valley. Along the bottom, NM-518 winds up Holman Hill. The 2022 Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire consumed roughly 534 square miles across the region. Taken in the spring of 2026 following a dry winter, the photo reveals sparse snowpack on the highest peaks that is unlikely to last through August.

Early spring started off wet after a super-dry winter, but the warmth turned into a scorching summer. Hopefully, this coming winter will bring lots and lots of snow.

What we are seeing is part of a global trend toward extreme temperatures, and the heat is taking its toll on our ecosystems. Here in Mora, we can see for ourselves how the heat bakes the ground, drying up the soil and shrinking the water table.

In New Mexico, water is our most precious resource. When natural watering holes dry up, animals are forced to travel long distances just to survive. We must protect our water supply—it is life. Trees are dropping their fruit early, and green leaves are falling straight off the branches just to survive the intense heat. Insect populations have fallen dramatically, leaving birds and small mammals starving.

Continued heat will affect everything—insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals alike—and some species could face extinction. Wildlife advocates often urge residents to set out bowls of water, even if they don’t have pets. However, you have to weigh the consequences when it comes to bears; once they find water, they will come back expecting a sip—and maybe a bite to eat.

Just as the Mora Valley Mills ground grain into flour to supply Fort Union in the early 1900s, so too did agricultural production flourish in nearby Wagon Mound, New Mexico—except there, the crop of choice was pinto beans. In 1909, local resident Higinio Gonzales and other growers cleaned, washed, and cooked up a massive pot of beans to share.

Today, the festival celebrates that rich heritage and connection to the past, standing as one of the oldest annual events in New Mexico.

Over Labor Day weekend, attendees can enjoy music, dancing, and rodeos. Best of all, on Monday, September 7, 2026, at noon, a huge pot of free, slow-cooked beans served with savory beef will be on the menu. The musical lineup features Wild Country on Friday, Gonzalo on Saturday, Jonathan Castillo y Profundo on Sunday, and Jonathan Chavez on Monday from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. Nothing beats a delicious meal of beans and beef paired with live music and an afternoon of dancing.

Mora was once known as New Mexico’s breadbasket. During that era, local mills ground wheat, barley, and rye to supply fresh flour to Fort Union and regional markets.

Featured Mills on the Tour

• St. Vrain Mill: Built in 1864, this is the oldest standing mill on display during the Labor Day Valley of Mills Tour and served as a critical supplier of flour to Fort Union.

• La Cueva Mill at Houser Raspberry Ranch: The second-oldest site on the tour, it was originally founded in 1851 under the 1835 Mora Land Grant (though the precise timeline remains unclear, as parts of the structure appear even older).

• Cleveland Roller Mill: Built between 1900 and 1901 by Joseph Fuss in Cleveland, this third mill was operated by Fuss until he sold it to Daniel Cassidy Sr. in 1913.

Labor Day Weekend Events

On Saturday, September 5, 2026, at noon, New Mexico State Historian Rob Martinez will speak at the Cleveland Roller Mill, presenting “Lo de Mora: A History of the Valley”—a topic close to his heart, as his ancestors are from the area.

Sandy Paiz will also host an authors’ event at the mill featuring three local writers who have published books about the Mora Valley.

Transportation & Guided Tours

The famous Las Vegas Trolley No. 11 will offer free rides between the mills. During the ride, Gary Sanchez will provide a narrated tour sharing insights into the history, culture, and operation of the mills.

Local Politics Update: Upcoming County Commission and Sheriff Races

Ahead of the upcoming General Election, here is a overview of the key local races and candidates for Mora County Commission and Sheriff:

• District 1 Commission: Democratic candidate Eloida Wanda Martinez faces Libertarian challenger Francisco Chavez for the District 1 seat held by incumbent Veronica Serna.

• District 2 Commission: Incumbent Board Chairman George Trujillo is stepping down. The race for his seat features Dave Maestas alongside write-in candidate Trinnie Bruce Cordova.

• District 3 Commission: Senior Commissioner Johnny Trujillo will continue his current term, which runs through 2028.

• Mora County Sheriff: Democrat Americk Padilla faces Republican Michael Benjamin in the head-to-head race for Mora County Sheriff.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bd92_CHvEd-QAz0aFXyhHUd_Mi_IJg6Y/view?usp=drive_link