🌱 West Mesa HS Shooting + Accused Bank Robber Pleads Not Guilty

Happy Saturday, Albuquerque! Let's get you all caught up to start today off on an informed note.

---

First, today's weather:

Sunny; breezy in the p.m. High: 50 Low: 23.

---

🏡 Are you a local real estate agent? Let us help you generate leads, build your brand in Albuquerque and stand apart from the competition. Click here to learn more.

---

Here are the top three stories in Albuquerque today:

1. West Mesa High School students were asked to shelter in place following the death of a student during a shooting that occurred Friday morning. The incident occurred near a football field, according to officials with the district. The victim's name has not been released but the department plans to increase its presence around the school in the coming days. (Albuquerque Patch)
2. Jason Smeltzer, 39, pleaded not guilty to charges related to five Albuquerque bank robberies. The most recent robbery was at Western Commerce Bank on Wednesday. A tip was submitted to the Albuquerque Police Department, which led to Smeltzer's arrest. The department reports that Smeltzer had admitted to the robberies when they pulled him over. (KRQE News 13)
3. "The Noodle Man" is coming to Albuquerque. Dream Kasestatad is bringing his traveling Thai pop-up restaurant to the city after he was popularized in an Amazon Prime short of the same name. The pop-up will be at Sister Bar today (Feb. 26), Bow Arrow Brewery on Sunday (Feb. 27), and High and Dry Brewery on Monday (Feb. 28), featuring a different item each day. (KRQE News 13)

---

Today in Albuquerque:

• NM Philharmonic: Gavrylyuk Plays Rach 2 At Popejoy Hall (6:00 PM)

---

From my notebook:

• Slate is open Thursday though Sunday serving drinks, salads, soups, sandwiches, and sweets to visitors of the Albuquerque Museum. Make sure to stop at Slate during your visit. (Facebook)
• Walking tours are the perfect way to see Old Town Albuquerque. The tours will provide insight into the culture that makes Albuquerque unique. (Instagram)
• Drag racing remains an issue throughout Albuquerque but the police department is working on cracking down on it. (Facebook)

---

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Durango Local News — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• NM Philharmonic: Gavrylyuk Plays Rach 2 (February 26)
• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month (February 28)
• In UNM, Love Heals Film Screening, Mar. 6 (March 6)
• Online Webinar with specialists for phone repair in New Mexico (March 18)
• Add your event

---

Loving the Albuquerque Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers

---

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you back in your inbox Monday morning with your next update.

— Erica Zenn

About me: Erica Zenn is a Masters Student in Applied Psychology at the University of Southern California who originally hails from Chapel Hill, NC. With a bachelors degree from Cornell University, Erica is an expert verbal and written communicator who brings extensive experience in employee engagement and customer experience of companies. Erica is passionate about community building, and loves using her writing and communication skills to bring people together.