🌱 Man Convicted Of Killing With Tree Branch + New NM Prosthetic Law

Hey, everybody! It's me, Michelle Paul, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here's what you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Breezy and not as warm. High: 66 Low: 42.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Albuquerque who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories today in Albuquerque:

1. The suspect of a November 2021 crime has just been sentenced. Keith Bird pleaded guilty in February to involuntary manslaughter as part of a plea deal where the maximum sentence he would face was six years. Bird allegedly told police that he killed a man with a tree branch in southeast Albuquerque in November 2021 while he and a group of friends, including the victim, were out drinking. A judge on Thursday sentenced Bird to six years in prison. (KRQE News 13)
2. Support the troops, enjoy a great dinner, and enjoy a comedy show at an upcoming event. The Rio Grande Valley Blue Star Mothers, a non-profit organization supporting military service members, is hosting a Chef Landry Comedy Dinner Show and Auction on Apr. 29 in Albuquerque to fundraise for care packages for deployed troops. Tickets are available for purchase, and the event will feature silent and live auctions with various items. (KRQE News 13)
3. Ten-year-old Callaway Lewis helped to craft a new law that expands coverage for New Mexico prosthetics patients. Callaway and her mom, both Albuquerque natives, watched the legislation pass over the last 60 days. The new law, "So New Mexicans Can Move Act," aims to provide coverage for limb loss and limb difference patients to receive prosthetic and orthotic devices, allowing them to be more active and mobile. Advocates believe the law will save money for the state and improve health outcomes for patients. (KOB 4)

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Today in Albuquerque:

• Women In Blue At Albuquerque Police Academy (All Day)
• Organ Majesty! At Immanuel Presbyterian Church (10:45 AM)
• Comedy Open Mic At Dry Heat Comedy Club (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Don’t miss Albuquerque Isotopes' first Bark in the Park of the season! The event is Sunday, Apr. 23. All dogs must have ID tags, be on a leash at all times, and have a current rabies vaccination. (Albuquerque Isotopes via Instagram)
• Do you have your tickets and lodging booked for the Albuquerque Balloon Festival yet? Balloon Fiesta attracts thousands of guests from around the world and hotels fill up quickly! If you're not staying at home, be sure to make your travel reservations soon. (Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta via Facebook)
• Congratulations and happy opening to Albuquerque Fire Rescue's Medic 3 team. The new company is expected to help with call volume in our community, specifically in Albuquerque’s SE heights. It will also add to AFR’s transport capacity. (Albuquerque Fire Rescue via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! I'll catch up with you bright and early soon with another update.

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.