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State officials to help victims of 'El Dentista'

Eliver Kestler -

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - New Mexico Department of Health officials want to help any victims of an unlicensed tooth doctor who was operating as a "mobile dentist" out of a sedan around Santa Fe.

State health officials are offering counseling and testing services for any victims of a man known as "El Dentista."

The services include no-cost confidential blood tests and referrals for additional services if needed.

Santa Fe police are trying to build a strong case against 36-year-old Eliver Kestler, also known as Eliver Lopez.

He was arrested April 20 following a tip from a former customer.

Investigators discovered Kestler with a portable drill machine and other dental equipment in a small, red sedan.

Kestler told police he had a dentistry license in Mexico but no license in the U.S.

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Santa Fe Transit bus shelters will get a new look coming soon

Santa Fe Transit bus shelters will get a new look coming soon

The City of Santa Fe's Transit bus shelters will soon have a more artistic touch to them. By August 19, 2013 all are expected to be up-to-date with the new look.

Three locations in downtown Santa Fe have already received their new shelters. As Santa Fe Trails and its partners developed the new designs for the bus shelters, they were aimed to reflect local artistic traditions. The themes are local history, culture and New Mexican traditions that are punched tin work on the panels of the shelters. In addition to the new look, there are also newer practical features being added to them for the better enjoyment of users.

For additional information click here to go to their website.

Report: Suffocation led to man's death after bar brawl

An autopsy report shows exactly how a man died at a popular Santa Fe bar following a fight.

The fight happened in January at Tiny’s Restaurant and Lounge in a strip mall near the intersection of Cerrillos and St. Francis.  

After the fight, patrons held James Rochford down on the floor until officers arrived. It’s not clear if he died before or after police arrived on scene.

The autopsy report shows he died of suffocation, due to pressure on his chest cavity. Other health ailments such as obesity and a hypertensive heart may have been contributing factors to Rochford’s death, the reports states. The report also indicates marijuana and amphetamine in his system, as well an alcohol.

No charges have been filed.

The case has been sent to the 1st Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Bushee seeks Santa Fe's top post

A Santa Fe city councilor says she will make a run for mayor.

Patti Bushee announced her candidacy on a radio talk show Thursday morning.

It’s not her first try at the post.

Back in 2002, she failed to beat out incumbent Larry Delgado for the spot.

Bushee says small business economic development and water issues are among the city's most pressing issues.

Santa Fe Mayor David Coss announced last week he would not run for a third term in office.

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NMSU eyes strawberries as new northern NM crop

ALCALDE, N.M. (AP) - Researchers are studying if strawberries could be a new cash crop for farmers in northern New Mexico.
    
The New Mexico State University scientists currently are testing whether the sweet red fruit could survive the area's early spring freezes.
    
Fruit specialist Shengrui Yao says late frosts won't kill all of the flowers or buds in a cluster so the fruit may be a good alternative for growers.
    
The study also is designed to determine which treatment will help strawberry plants adapt to high pH soil.
    
The move comes two years after a late freeze destroyed the state's peach crop.

(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Santa Fe implements water restrictions

Santa fe is the latest New Mexico city to enact water restrictions.

Outdoor watering has been banned  daily between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Watering is also limited to no more than three times a week.

At home car washing has also been limited – to once a month.

Water restriction violations can lead to a $200 fine.

United Airlines begins flights between Denver and Santa Fe

The Santa Fe Municipal Airport celebrated a new airline flying in.   

A United Airlines plane touched down at the airport Wednesday afternoon.

The airline will begin offering two daily flights from Santa Fe to Denver.

Tickets will cost $256 round trip.