The Aztec News

01/17/2026

01/16/2026

Dusenberys Valley Service Garage 1950. (same location today)
Henry Jackson Collection - Aztec Museum Photo Archives©

01/16/2026

OBITUARY

Melvin Bailon Salazar

Melvin Bailon Salazar, 59, of Bloomfield, NM passed away on January 12, 2026. He was born on May 23, 1966, in Española, New Mexico, to Bailon and Lourdes Salazar. He spent most of his life in Bloomfield, where he graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1984.

Following high school, Melvin proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, a testament to his discipline, dedication, and strong sense of duty. After his service, he continued his education at San Juan College, earning a degree and certification in Automotive Technology—an area where his intelligence and skill truly shined.

Melvin was a deeply intelligent man who believed knowledge was meant to be shared. He generously gave his time to help others succeed, tutoring and guiding many as they worked to obtain their GEDs. His willingness to help was matched by his natural ability to connect with people. Melvin enjoyed socializing and had a gift for making friends wherever he went, leaving a lasting impression through conversation, laughter, and kindness.

Above all, Melvin loved God, his family, and his friends. He had five daughters and ten grandchildren, who were a source of joy in his life.

Melvin passed away on January 12, 2026, in Farmington, New Mexico after a hard-fought battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He will be remembered for his sharp mind, generous heart, and the many lives he touched through service, friendship, and faith. His legacy lives on through his family, his faith, and the countless people who were blessed to know him.

Preceded in death by: Paternal Grandparents Herman & Georgia Salazar. Maternal Grandparents Epifanio & Delfida Corrales.

Survived by: Daughters – Michelle, Ashley, Vanessa, Alicia, and Elizabeth. Parents – Bailon and Lourdes Salazar. Brothers – Mike (Darla) Salazar, Peter Burt (Colleen) Salazar, Matthew (Eileen) Salazar. Sisters – Audrey (Len) Gordon, Loretta (Stanley) Dean, Sandra (Steven) Gallegos, Janet (Colter) Faverino. Grandchildren – Josiah, Ethan, Ladessa, Gabriel, Ashlynn, David, Kristen, Salene, Matthias, Jericho and numerous nephews and nieces.

A Rosary will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 307 N. Church Street, Bloomfield, NM at 10:00 a.m. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. Officiated by: Father Raja Yeruva and Deacon Pat Valdez. Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Bloomfield, NM. Officiated by: Deacon Pat Valdez. A reception will follow immediately after burial at St. Mary’s Parish Hall, 307 N. Church Street, Bloomfield, NM.

Pallbearers: Mike Salazar, Peter Salazar, Matthew Salazar, Len Gordon, Stanley Dean, Steven Gallegos and Colter Faverino.

Memorial/donations may be made to: St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 307 N. Church Street, Bloomfield, NM 87413.

01/16/2026

OBITUARY

Rosendo “Row-Z” Martinez

Rosendo “Row-z” Joseph Martinez, age 65, a longtime resident of Bloomfield, New Mexico, passed away on January 10, 2026, in Farmington, New Mexico with his loved ones by his side.

Rosendo was born on April 14, 1960, in Alamosa, Colorado, to Loyda Herrera and Louis Martinez. He earned his high school diploma in the United States Army and went on to proudly serve. Following his military service, Rosendo built a successful career as an oilfield consultant, dedicating more than 40 years to this industry.

Rosendo was a man of many passions. He loved riding motorcycles, camping, fishing, hunting, woodworking, and cheering on his favorite team, the Seattle Seahawks. Above all, he cherished time spent helping and being with his family and friends, always offering his support, wisdom, and generous heart.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Loyda Herrera; his father, Louis (Bernice) Martinez; his brother, Rickey Chavez; and his grandparents, Eli (Catalina) Herrera and Louis (Regina) Martinez.

Rosendo is survived by the true love of his life of 25 years, Caroline Martinez; his children, Alisha (Gabriel) Archibeque, Zackary (Lauren) Davis, and Dora Davis; his siblings, Brenda (Martinez) Smith, Edith (Solomon) Archuleta, James (Olivia) Martinez, and Sylvia Martinez; and his beloved grandchildren, Bryson Davis, Paul Archibeque, Presley Davis, Samuel Archibeque, Payton Davis, Elijah Archibeque, and Jackson Davis. He is also survived by many loving extended family members and dear friends who will miss him greatly.

Services will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Farmington, NM. The Rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m., and will be officiated by Father Tim Farrell. Burial will take place at 11:30 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Bloomfield, New Mexico, officiated by Deacon Pat Valdez. A reception will follow at Saint Mary’s Parish Hall in Bloomfield, New Mexico.

Rosendo’s legacy of love, service, and devotion to family will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

01/16/2026

Wrestling Character Matters Athletes of the Week
Reliable:
James Moore
Cami Lucio

01/16/2026

As we move into the new year, we would like to remind everyone of the importance of school zones and how critical they are to the safety of our students and staff.

When traveling in Bloomfield, please watch for flashing lights indicating an active school zone, remain alert for students, and be mindful of slower-moving vehicles.

We would also like to remind those traveling to and from Blanco to strictly adhere to the posted speed limits, as the Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols to help keep our community safe.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our schools and roadways safe. We wish everyone a safe and successful New Year.

Thank you

01/16/2026

Housing New Mexico | MFA is pleased to announce that the waiting list for the HOME Improvement Program opened on January 5, 2026. This program provides financial assistance to income eligible homeowners in underserved counties who need critical home rehabilitation. Eligible improvements include structural repairs, health and safety upgrades, accessibility modifications, and major system replacements. The program helps maintain safe, livable homes and supports the preservation of our communities.

Program Details at a Glance:
• Eligibility: Homeowner occupied residences; household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (limits vary by county)
• Application Submission: Begins January 5, 2026. The program will remain open until further notice; awards will be made on a first come, first served basis
• Counties Served: Guadalupe, Harding, Los Alamos, McKinley, Quay, Rio Arriba, San Juan, and Union
• Key Repairs Covered: Structural rehabilitation; roofing; plumbing; accessibility modifications for elderly or disabled persons; repair or replacement of major systems

For more information or to request materials, please contact Brittany Coats at bcoats@housingnm.org or 505-767-2233.

01/16/2026

❄️We still have winter jackets, all children's size 7/8. Adult Socks are also available. ✅ Please call 505-325-7466 for an appointment.

01/16/2026

San Juan County is seeking a Employee Benefits & Leave Specialist.

This position serves as the initial point of contact for employee inquiries or concerns and administers all employee benefit and leave programs. This position involves extensive communication and interaction with employees and third-party contacts.

For details and to apply, visit:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sjcounty/jobs/5195623/employee-benefits-leave-specialist

01/16/2026

All Aztec Municipal Schools and district offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Classes and offices will resume Tuesday, January 20.

01/16/2026

In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, January 19, 2026. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.