Category: kvia-local-news

Adrian Ochoa

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — After two years of anticipation, the University of Texas at El Paso will embark on a new sports area in the Mountain West Conference.

The UTEP Miners will start with the MW July 1, and for Athletic Director Jim Senter, it’s been quite the journey.

Senter started at UTEP in 2017, and fans hoped he would be the one to get the Miners into the MW.

He fulfilled that goal in 2024 when he announced the miners would leave Conference USA, which UTEP has been a member of since 2005.

However, leaving Conference USA came at a cost.

Last year, UTEP donors contributed $12 million; $8 million went to cover exit fees.

Donations also went to improve locker rooms in the Sun Bowl Stadium.

“So that was another $2 million dollars, so lots of different people have stepped up,” Senter said.

The move to the Mountain West Conference also brings new opportunities. In Conference USA, most UTEP games were streamed on ESPN Plus. In the Mountain West, while some games will be televised on linear channels, fans who want to watch every UTEP game will have to sign up for the new Mountain West Plus.

However, the difference between the two streaming services is that now UTEP will get a cut from subscribers who sign up and specify they follow the Miners.

“We have a chance to earn money from those subscriptions,” Senter said. “It’s right about 60% of all the money that everybody pays will be coming back to UTEP in the form of a subscription fee. And in an ideal world, we would like to lead the Mountain West Conference in the number of subscriptions. You would think we could do that.”

These changes will start with this upcoming football season.

Changes are also in store for the fan experience with giveaways, special food items and even drone shows!

The student section and marching band will also see changes. Both will now be seated right behind the opposing team’s bench.

However, investment is still the name of the game for UTEP.

This season UTEP is projecting a revenue-sharing pool of $3.45 million dollars.

It’s a good start, but when compared to fellow Mountain West Conference rival UNLV, the difference is staggering.

UNLV projects its revenue sharing pool to be at nearly $11 million this season.

“We’ve been able to increase probably two to three times the amount of money that we’ve been able to do,” Senter said. “We think that has allowed us to recruit some better players in addition to having better recruiting battles with folks (other schools), but there is always somebody with a bigger checkbook.” 

Senter enters the Mountain West era under a new contract.

While some question whether he deserved it, Senter remains committed to building winning programs at UTEP.

“I’ll be judged by that I understand that some people will think it’s good, some others will not think it’s good, but I’m appreciative of the contract and the extension,” Senter said. “I will continue to work my tail off to do the best job that I can.” 

Watch “Mountain Bound” above.

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Max Zepeda

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — After a large turnout during Mexico’s match against South Korea, the City of El Paso is hosting another free watch party for the FIFA World Cup in Downtown El Paso. Thursday, fans have the opportunity to watch Team USA’s final group stage game against Turkey.

Thursday’s watch party will take place at Cleveland Square Park again with the game playing on the Mexican American Cultural Center’s large outdoor screen at 8 p.m.

Just one week ago, 800 World Cup fans watched Mexico’s victory over South Korea at the same park.

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department and the MACC will host the match, which will include soccer player card trading, giveaways and snacks for fans to enjoy.

Fans are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets for comfortable seating, the city said.

While the city said the event starts at 8 p.m., fans arrived to the park early for last week’s watch party. If you plan to attend, try to arrive as early as possible. The space is first-come, first-serve.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Thursday, Abundant Church prepared to feed up to 2,000 people across the Borderplex as part of a Mega Food Giveaway.

Convoy of Hope, a nonprofit, unloaded food supplies and transferred them into Abundant Church trucks for the giveaway set for Sunday.

Jared Nieman, the lead pastor at Abundant, said the giveaway will be at its Lower Valley location (1000 Valley Crest Dr.) during its services at 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

“Anyone can come to church if they need food. We’re happy to serve them,” Nieman said. “It’s on a first come, first serve basis during all of the services on Sunday morning.”

Nieman said families who would like to take food home will get a ticket at the church during the service. After the service, volunteers will help those who have a ticket.

“We know things have been expensive lately — gas prices, utility bills going up, and so we were able to partner with an amazing organization, Convoy of Hope, in providing all of this food to the people in our community who are in need of food,” he said.

Nieman said several hundreds of volunteers will help with the food giveaway Sunday.

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Gabrielle Lopez

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with redacted personal information on the court documents.

UPDATE (June 29, 12:33 p.m.) — Judge Conrad Perea ruled Kimberly Skaggs will be held without bond until her trial.

Judge Perea based his decision on the definition of clear and convincing evidence established by the 2008 case of New Mexico v. Adonis which states “evidence must instantly tilt the scales in the affirmative when weighed against the evidence in opposition.”

State prosecutor Heather Chavez presented Skagg’s history of six speeding tickets since 2012 as well as her behavior of fleeing the scene of the crash even though Brown was still alive yet badly injured instead of calling 911 or helping.

This was the basis of the state’s argument against release conditions that she posed a threat to the community in addition to emphasizing her behavior after the crash.

Chavez showed the photos of the crash scene and the parked car to Doña Ana County Sheriffs Deputy Fabian Fernandez, including photos of the license plate registration that didn’t expire until May of 2027 but Skaggs requested a new registration as well as a new license plate number almost immediately after the crash.

To Perea, this showed an effort to hide the vehicle as well as Skaggs parking her SUV in a garage hidden from street view not at her home but at a property that is currently up for sale.

As far as renewing the registration, Chaves pointed out Skaggs owned her own DMV business called ’50 State DMV’ and pointed out the new registration was sent there instead of her home residence.

All evidence led to Perea basing his ruling on the points that Skaggs posed a threat to the community based on her actions and no conditions of release would protect the safety of the community.

Skaggs is still facing one count of knowingly leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death punishable by up to three years in jail and one count of Tampering with evidence which carries a sentence of up to 18 months.

The date of Skaggs trial has not been determined yet.

UPDATE (3:24 p.m.) — The New Mexico GOP said, “Kimberly Skaggs is no longer affiliated with the Republican Party of New Mexico. We will not be commenting any further on this matter.”

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — The treasurer for the Republican Party of New Mexico has been charged for a deadly crash in Las Cruces, according to documents. Kimberly Skaggs faces charges for knowingly leaving the crash scene and tampering with evidence, according to documents.

It happened June 22 near 850 N Fairacres Rd. near W Picacho Avenue in Las Cruces, according to documents.

Documents said 40-year-old Andrew Brown crossed the street on his bike when an SUV hit him while the driver went northbound.

An officer with the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office arrived at 2:46 p.m. and met a witness, according to documents. The witness emailed the officer pictures she took of a woman who left the scene. Documents said the pictures showed a black Cadillac Escalade.

Brown died due to his injuries at the crash site at 4:16 p.m., according to the Office of Medical Investigators.

Authorities found about 208 feet of skid marks and debris from the SUV (two small black pieces with grill marks and “GM” imprinted on the back of them). Brown’s bike broke into several pieces, documents said.

A sergeant found a flock photo of the Cadillac while it drove east on Picacho Avenue at 2:43 p.m., close to the time of the crash, documents said.

Another law enforcement official found a citation the Las Cruces Police Department issued involving the Cadillac for racing, documents said.

Through the citation information, officials identified Skaggs as the driver, documents said.

Officials also found a video of a black Cadillac driving at a high rate of speed, documents said.

A deputy got a subpoena to track the suspected vehicle. It showed its location at a home on Northwind Road, which Skaggs owned, documents said.

Officials tried to call Skaggs, but the phone went straight to voicemail, according to documents.

The next day, June 23, at 6:41 p.m., officials executed a search warrant to retrieve the Cadillac, documents said.

Authorities found blood splattered near the front right wheel and a damaged front bumper, according to documents. The front bumper also had a tire mark that looked like it came from a bike tire.

Additionally, the front bumper had two missing pieces — matching the pieces found at the crash site, documents said.

Jail records said Skaggs turned herself in for arrest Wednesday. She booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center.

Skaggs is also a former chair of the Dona Ana County Republican Party.

This is a developing story. ABC-7 reached out to the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office and the Republican Party of New Mexico for more information.

You can read the court documents detailing the investigation below.

DOC062526Download

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Three El Paso nonprofits earned money to improve access to healthcare, nutrition and preventive services across the region. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas said it awarded grants to improve health outcomes in the state.

El Paso Children’s Hospital Foundation, El Pasoans Fighting Hunger and ProAction (Immunize El Paso) earned some of BCBSTX’s grants.

BCBSTX said border communities like El Paso face obstacles to accessing healthcare and food. These local programs help address those gaps by taking care of local neighborhoods.

BCBS said the El Paso Children’s Hospital Foundation supports pediatric diabetes management programs in English and Spanish. It also has a teaching kitchen so families can build healthy habits to take home.

El Pasoans Fighting Hunger expanded its emergency food distribution program, which feeds 1,500 people every day, according to the BCBSTX. It offers food through its market, mobile distribution, partner pantries and home delivery for seniors.

ProAction helps underserved communities get vaccines, BCBSTX said. It’s expected to give 40,000 immunizations for people across the Borderplex region.

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Gabrielle Lopez

ANTHONY, Texas (KVIA) — Wet ‘N’ Wild Water World has hosted Borderland families to splash around and cool off, but the park will also hosted the 17th Annual World’s Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL) Thursday.

The City of El Paso’s Parks and Recreation Department partnered with the Drowning Prevention Coalition of El Paso to host the the massive swimming lesson. It’s an effort to teach hundreds of kids and grownups basic swimming safety.

WLSL started in 2011 and taught more than 3,000 swimmers since its debut, Wet ‘N’ Wild said.

It’s not just a local effort, though.

Chandra Edwards-Cottingham, the water park’s president, said WLSL is part of the World Water Park Association and involves people around the globe.

“As summer heats up and families plan their 4th of July activities, this free lesson gives them access to critical water safety skills right when they need them the most.” Edwards-Cottingham said.

According to Wet ‘N’ Wild, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4. The July 4th weekend constantly sees a rise in water-related accidents, the water park said.

However, it said swim lessons can reduce drowning risk by 88 percent.

At the WLSL, swimmers learn basic skills like floating, kicking and even opening their eyes underwater, the water park said.

“Kids who learn how to swim by the third grade have a skill that will last them a lifetime,” Edwards-Cottingham said.

She said even teaching a baby how to turn so their belly faces up in the water is a vital skill.

For the WLSL, Edwards-Cottingham said children as little as 3 years old can participate in the free lesson.

The lessons don’t apply to just swimming. Since last year’s event, parents have been learning how to help someone who’s been submerged under water with CPR, according to Edwards-Cottingham.

Sergio Quintero, who registered his daughter for the WLSL, said the lessons not only help children understand the importance of being safe in the pool, but it also gives them an opportunity to spend time outside.

Quintero’s daughter told ABC-7 she was “ready to get in there” and was excited to take her first WLSL lesson.

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Rosemary Garcia

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Some Borderland businesses continue to experience a boom amid the ongoing World Cup. Many soccer fans have been on the hunt for soccer jerseys representing their favorite team.

ABC-7 spoke with VI Sports in Downtown El Paso, a sporting goods and sportswear store in the heart of the city. An employee said the response has been overwhelming.

“We didn’t expect this to be this high demand. Yeah. So it’s kind of shocking,” Jae Yi said.

He said while the store did predict a large spike in customers, they were still stunned. Yi said during the World Cup, the store has seen two to three times more the number of customers coming in.

“It’s been amazing,” he added.

However, the soccer fever has also resulted in the store selling out of some items prematurely. Yi said that while the store prepared ahead of time and ordered a larger shipment than they normally would, they still ran out of fan favorites.

Yi said they had a few Mexico jerseys left in limited sizes. He noted that USA jerseys sold out within five hours.

He explained that nearby stores are facing the same issue.

He estimates the store ordered close to 1,000 Mexico jerseys and a couple of hundred U.S. jerseys. He’s been on the hunt to restock, but hasn’t been successful.

“We’ve been trying, but then no one has it. So vendors they don’t have any leftovers or anything like that. So we’re just calling everyone every day, and see if they have any. It doesn’t seem like they have it anymore,” Yi said.

He said each customer is spending anywhere between $25-50.

ABC-7 asked him which teams have the most passionate fans.

Yi said, “Mexico fans are by far. They have greater numbers, and they have a greater passion.”

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A new artificial intelligence-powered inspection system for commercial trucks will be up and running in El Paso soon. UVeye partnered with Mesilla Valley Transportation to try a new drive-thru scanner, the company said Wednesday.

According to UVeye, its scanners do a 360° scan of heavy-duty vehicles to find damage or modifications. Officials get digital reports designed to improve safety, consistency and efficiency, the company said.

Wednesday, MVT and UVeye held a ribbon cutting ceremony to show off MVT’s operation control center in Lower Valley El Paso. The partnership will contribute to MVT’s operations.

UVeye said automated inspections help fleet operators focus on reducing downtime while maintaining high safety standards.

“With thousands of tractors and trailers moving freight across the Americas every day, we’re excited to work with MVT to support safer and more efficient fleet operations,” said Amir Hever, CEO of UVeye.

UVeye said its technology scans more than 3 million vehicles every month. ITs scanners train through billions of new images and a database of vehicle components, the company said.

“Our drivers are assisted. If we can provide more speed and our response to them. And obviously, you know, drivers want to be on the road driving, making money. They don’t want to be held up at our terminal,” George Chasteen said, the Chief Operating Officer of MVT.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A former Fort Bliss soldier pleaded guilty Wednesday to child exploitation crimes while living in Alaska and Texas, the Justice Department said. The department said 36-year-old Seth Herrera attempted to make and traffic child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Court documents said Starting in March 2021, Herrera used encrypted and privacy-enhancing applications to look at, own and send CSAM on his phones.

He used cell phones to browse the dark web and encrypted messaging apps for CSAM, the DOJ said.

He also made a public group on one of the platforms to store CSAM files, uploading more than 100 files to the group in six weeks, the DOJ said.

Across different apps, he participated in hundreds of online groups dedicated to CSAM, the DOJ said. At the time, he was in more than 400 Telegram groups and 1,400 Telegram channels.

In May 2024, law enforcement took away Herrera’s devices and found tens of thousands of CSAM, the DOJ said.

Starting December 2022, Herrera used artificial intelligence chatbots to create CSAM, the DOJ said. The department said he would ask AI to undress and morph children’s bodies to appear as if they engaged in sexually explicit acts.

Some of the pictures included children he knew personally, the DOJ said.

Herrera used photos and videos of children he knew in El Paso and screenshots of children through security cameras around his home, the DOJ said.

Using his security cameras, he produced at least 28 pictures and two videos of one child alone, according to the DOJ.

In August 2023, Herrera moved to Alaska, transporting CSAM across state lines by storing them in password-protected photo vaults on his phones, officials said.

While serving as a Specialist at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, he was arrested on Aug. 23, 2024, the DOJ said. A grand jury in Texas indicted him on production and receipt of child pornography related to his conduct in El Paso.

Herrera entered a plea under an agreement after the Western District of Texas transferred the case to the District of Alaska on June 15.

Herrera’s sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 29 and faces a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 20 years, the DOJ said.

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Bea Martinez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Wednesday, the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame will induct five people for the class of 2026.

You can watch the full livestream above.

The Class of 2026 inductees are as follows:

Living Athlete Category

Michael T. Baker

Steven King Azar

Coaching Category

Cesar Morales

Official Category

Victor Maldonado

Posthumous Category

Paul Njoroge Kamau

During the ceremony, Steve Kaplowiz and the Hall of Fame organization surprised ABC-7’s Bea Martinez with a recognition.

For more information about this year’s inductees, click here.

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