Rick Ruggles
Omaha
Former reporter, now geezer
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Articles by Rick Ruggles
Huskers Roll Out a New Philosophy NU Enters Era of Aussie-Style Punting
When Bo Pelini met with senior punter Dan Titchener after getting hired in 2007 as Nebraska’s head coach, Titchener asked him if rugby-style punting was in the plan. Titchener said Pelini replied: “We’re going to punt like normal bleeping people.” It was good news to Titchener that Nebraska would keep using the “normal” style of punting, because that’s the way he did it. This season, the Huskers have brought in a punter from Australia, and the team appears to be committed to the rollout style.
Tips for Kicking (and Life)
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CRACKING THE KICKING CODE
Few jobs in sports demand that a player come through in key moments the way that football exacts of place-kickers. The precision required of place-kickers entails many hours of repetitive motion. Place-kickers know their moments of euphoria or humiliation are coming. Punters are similarly tasked, although points usually are not doled out or withheld at the moment of their kick. Even top-level kickers and punters seem to go through vexing periods of failure.
2025 POSITION PREVIEW; TIGHT ENDS
TIGHT ENDS ERIC INGWERSON…….6-6, 250 REDSHIRT FRESHMAN DANNY KING…….6-4, 245…….REDSHIRT FRESHMAN CAYDEN ECHTERNACH…….6-4, 250…….SOPHOMORE MAC MARKWAY…….6-4, 260…….SOPHOMORE CARTER NELSON…….6-5, 230…….SOPHOMORE LUKE LINDENMEYER…….6-3, 250…….JUNIOR HEINRICH HAARBERG…….6-5, 225…….SENIOR POSITION OUTLOOK In an era in which passing is king, today’s tight ends need to be more than the sixth member of the offensive line.
2025 POSITION PREVIEW: QUARTERBACK
TJ LATEEF…….6-2, 190…….FRESHMAN MARCOS DAVILA…….6-3, 235…….REDSHIRT FRESHMAN BODE SOUKUP…….6-2, 195…….REDSHIRT FRESHMAN DYLAN RAIOLA…….6-3, 230…….SOPHOMORE LUKE LONGVAL…….6-2, 210…….JUNIOR JALYN GRAMSTAD…….6-0, 200…….SENIOR POSITION OUTLOOK The Huskers got their quarterback in 2024, and after a freshman year that was much better at the start than at the end, everyone expects big strides from sophomore Dylan Raiola in 2025. Those who watch him work say he’s better than ever.
2025 POSITION PREVIEW: OFFENSIVE LINE
OFFENSIVE LINE SHAWN HAMMERBECK…….6-6, 260…….FRESHMAN HOUSTON KAAHAAINA-TORRES…….6-3, 295…….FRESHMAN JULIAN (JUJU) MARKS…….6-5, 300…….FRESHMAN BRIAN TAPU…….6-6, 300…….FRESHMAN GRANT BRIX…….6-6, 310…….REDSHIRT FRESHMAN NOLAN FENNESSY…….6-4, 280…….REDSHIRT FRESHMAN JAKE PETERS…….6-3, 285…….REDSHIRT FRESHMAN GIBSON PYLE…….6-5, 295…….REDSHIRT FRESHMAN PRESTON TAUMUA…….6-4, 325…….REDSHIRT FRESHMAN JACOB BRANDL…….6-3, 305…….SOPHOMORE GUNNAR GOTTULA…….6-6, 305…….SOPHOMORE BROCK KNUTSON…….6-7,...
2025 POSTION PREVIEW: LINEBACKERS
LINEBACKERS CHRISTIAN JONES…….6-2, 230…….FRESHMAN DAWSON MERRITT…….6-3, 210…….FRESHMAN PIERCE MOOBERRY…….6-4, 200…….FRESHMAN ETHAN DUDA…….6-5, 230…….REDSHIRT FRESHMAN (JACK) ROGER GRADNEY…….6-0, 205…….REDSHIRT FRESHMAN JORDAN OCHOA…….6-4, 250…….REDSHIRT FRESHMAN (JACK) TRENT UHLIR…….6-1, 230…….REDSHIRT FRESHMAN DEREK WACKER…….6-1, 220…….REDSHIRT FRESHMAN JACOB BOWER…….6-1, 220…….SOPHOMORE WILLIS MCGAHEE IV…….6-1, 235…….SOPHOMORE (JACK) MAVERICK NOONAN…….6-4, 240…….SOPHOMORE (JACK) DYLAN...
2025 POSITION PREVIEW: DEFENSIVE LINE
DEFENSIVE LINE KADE PIETRZAK…….6-5, 260…….FRESHMAN MALCOLM SIMPSON…….6-3, 265…….FRESHMAN TYSON TERRY…….6-3, 305…….FRESHMAN LANDEN DAVIDSON…….6-4, 310…….REDSHIRT FRESHMAN DAVID HOFFKEN…….6-7, 255…….REDSHIRT FRESHMAN SUA LEFOTU…….6-3, 295…….REDSHIRT FRESHMAN ASHTON MURPHY…….6-5, 265…….REDSHIRT FRESHMAN WILLIAMS NWANERI…….6-7, 255…….REDSHIRT FRESHMAN CONNOR SCHUTT…….6-6, 215…….REDSHIRT FRESHMAN CONOR CONNEALY…….6-4, 265…….SOPHOMORE KEONA DAVIS…….6-5, 255…….SOPHOMORE MASON GOLDMAN…….6-5,...
FEELING THE PAIN
Largely immune from the downside of fandom for a generation, Nebraska football fans are now all too aware of how the other half lives and have assuaged the doldrums by adding another sport to their orbit. *** Ron Hinzman and some young pals listened to the start of Husker greatness, gathering on Saturdays in the 1960s at the gas station in Daykin for games on the radio.
Midlands Voices: When 'right?' and 'right' is wrong and other sins of language
Share We spend so much time talking it’s amazing how little we think about how we sound. What we say in descriptions, arguments, agreements, commands, requests and responses presumably is important. And yet the words we use suggest we’re satisfied with regurgitating whatever sorry terms have somehow captured society’s fancy. Our care with language, or lack of it, can affect how we come off as well as hinder our ability to convey a message.
Midlands Voices: When 'right?' and 'right' is wrong and other sins of language
We spend so much time talking it’s amazing how little we think about how we sound. What we say in descriptions, arguments, agreements, commands, requests and responses presumably is important. And yet the words we use suggest we’re satisfied with regurgitating whatever sorry terms have somehow captured society’s fancy. Our care with language, or lack of it, can affect how we come off as well as hinder our ability to convey a message.
Parents weigh COVID-19 vaccine for youngest kids
Coronavirus vaccines for some of New Mexico's youngest residents began arriving in the state Monday, just a couple of days after the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved doses for children ages 6 months to 5 years. Shipments will continue to come in all week, said Jodi McGinnis Porter, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Health. Some vaccination appointments for young children already have been scheduled, she added.
Report: Hundreds suffer food insecurity in Santa Fe due to low wages
Dina Briones and her son David, 16, collected goods Tuesday from a Food Depot truck that had stopped at their Santa Fe apartment complex. A volunteer with the regional food bank pulled a cart to their door. It held packages of strawberries, a cardboard box full of fruits and vegetables, a paper bag of canned fruits, oats and rice. "Glory to God," Briones said. "Thank Jesus." She used to be a housekeeper but now stays home with her boy, who has seizures and severe disabilities from cerebral palsy.
In brief, PRC says it followed own guidance in rejecting merger
Saying it’s no “stooge” for others, the state Public Regulation Commission argues in a court filing it was required to act independently when considering a merger of New Mexico’s largest electric utility with other major power companies.
PRC says it followed own guidance in rejecting merger
Saying it’s no “stooge” for others, the state Public Regulation Commission argues in a court filing it was required to act independently when considering a merger of New Mexico’s largest electric utility with other major power companies.
COVID vaccines for very young expected to be ready soon in N.M.
The New Mexico Department of Health expects to soon provide coronavirus vaccines for the state’s youngest children. Although at least one federal approval remains, the Food and Drug Administration on Friday gave its OK to COVID-19 vaccines for infants and young children, and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to follow, possibly this weekend.
PRC hearing examiners want PNM customers to get rate credit
Public Service Company of New Mexico disregarded a 2020 financing order from the Public Regulation Commission and should take corrective steps, such as giving customer credits this year, two hearing examiners wrote Friday. Their report suggests PNM would double bill customers for costs associated with leaving the San Juan Generating Station this year. The hearing examiners, who called PNM's plan a "moral hazard," only make recommendations to the five commissioners, who have the final call.
COVID vaccines for very young coming soon to N.M.
The New Mexico Department of Health expects to soon provide coronavirus vaccines for the state’s youngest children. Although at least one federal approval remains, the Food and Drug Administration on Friday gave its OK to COVID-19 vaccines for infants and young children, and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to follow, possibly this weekend.
New Mexico joins states to extend post-birth Medicaid coverage
Medicaid-insured mothers with newborn babies in New Mexico will receive 10 additional months of post-birth coverage, the federal and state governments said Thursday. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a Biden administration news conference New Mexico has joined 13 states in extending postpartum Medicaid coverage for mothers to 12 months. The duration previously was two months after birth. Lujan Grisham said it was "an incredible honor" for New Mexico to be involved.
New Mexico's mental health system confronts lack of professionals, inadequate information at conference
ALBUQUERQUE — New Mexico’s mental health system is troubled by a shortage of professionals, inadequate information about services and a bad call in 2013, experts said Wednesday. A conference titled “Transforming Behavioral Health in New Mexico” at Isleta Resort & Casino addressed those and other issues facing mental health care in this state. About 100 people attended the opening sessions of the two-day conference and more observed online.
Lawyers: No big complications to reach Santa Fe archdiocese sex abuse settlement
An official settlement plan in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe's bankruptcy remains to be completed, but there are no serious complications, attorneys said Tuesday. Archdiocese attorney Thomas Walker told U.S. Bankruptcy Judge David Thuma he had hoped to have the Chapter 11 reorganization plan drawn up Wednesday for the bankruptcy case prompted by clergy sexual abuse of at least 375 people. Some details, however, still must be worked out, he said. "But we hope to [have it] shortly," Walker said.
Attorney General settles with Centene over lack of price transparency
The state Attorney General's Office announced Monday it had reached a $13.8 million settlement with Centene Corp., which owns subsidiaries involved in the state's Medicaid program. A news release from the AG's Office said Centene failed to pass on discounts to the state's Medicaid program, among other things. The Medicaid program is overseen by the state Human Services Department.
PNM recommends ways to conserve energy in heat wave
As a heat wave tests the state's electricity resources this week, the Public Service Company of New Mexico says customers can help the utility and themselves with energy frugality. Santa Fe temperatures are expected to hit 90, providing a test of the adequacy of the power supply through peak demand in warm-weather months. For months, PNM and the state Public Regulation Commission expressed concern about having adequate electricity this summer.
The committee to pick the commision: Work begins on PRC nominating process
The task of finding people who can make wise decisions regarding utility services in the state will rest with a yet-to-be-named committee that needs to be equally astute. A seven-person nominating committee, which will initiate a new selection process for members of the Public Regulation Commission, is required by state law to be in place before July 1. The committee will nominate at least five people, from whom Gov.
Former city councilor stuck to his convictions over two decades
Carlos Gallegos, a Santa Fe city councilor in the 1980s and early 1990s, stuck to the rules and would not be buffaloed. Former Santa Fe Mayor Sam Pick recalled when he and some allies placed a large, heavy sculpture of a buffalo in the median on Paseo de Peralta in the late 1980s as a tribute to the city's arts community. Gallegos was not pleased. Approval of the process hadn't gone through City Hall. Pick said he felt it was better in this case to ask for forgiveness than permission.
PRC honors staffer known for willingness to help
With voices cracking, many staff members and commissioners of the state Public Regulation Commission honored an employee Wednesday who died unexpectedly at 34. Isaac Sullivan-Leshin had been at the commission only three years, but he made his mark, speakers said during the commission’s weekly meetings. They described as extraordinary his efficiency, energy, politeness, patience, intelligence and willingness to pitch in.
State agency says New Mexico census count most accurate in nation
Numbers count in a big way when it comes to the U.S. Census Bureau, and the federal agency did its job well in New Mexico, according to state officials. A state-by-state evaluation of the 2020 census' accuracy found New Mexico's count was the most accurate in the nation, the state Department of Finance and Administration said Wednesday in a news release. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham applauded the state for its preparation for the census.
Maestas has solid lead in state auditor's race
Political veteran Joseph Maestas appeared headed for a solid victory over young contender Zack Quintero in the Democratic primary for state auditor. Maestas, 61, had 57 percent of the vote late Tuesday, a seemingly insurmountable lead, but he wasn't yet willing to take a victory lap. "It's still early," Maestas said from his Santa Fe home, where he watched returns on television, listened to them on the radio and studied the numbers on the secretary of state's website.
Federal food aid available for some victims of wildfires in five counties
Some victims of New Mexico’s wildfires may receive federal food assistance by applying within the next seven days, the state Human Services Department said Monday during a news conference. The money will come from the federal Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, but those who already receive SNAP aid should not apply through this program for additional help. Eligibility will be based on income, money in checking and savings accounts, loss amount from the disaster and other factors.
Interior Department won’t disclose location of Native American burial sites
The locations of unmarked graveyards at Native American boarding schools will remain unknown to the general public, despite the Department of the Interior’s work to uncover them. The federal agency and experts in Native American affairs said disclosing details of the sites could expose those burial grounds to looters and continues to be a delicate issue that requires tribal consultation and approval.
Christus St. Vincent details plans for two-story, $80 million cancer center
Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center has carved out drawings, details and space for a new cancer center on its main campus, the hospital said Wednesday. It released drawings of the two-level, $80 million facility that it plans to build along St. Michael’s Drive, just east of the hospital complex. The project is expected to be completed in spring 2024, with a groundbreaking in the fall. The plans reflect the hospital’s desire to take ownership of its cancer care.
PNM accused of 'charm offensive' as two big appeals await Supreme Court
Two major regulatory decisions that went against the Public Service Company of New Mexico now rest in the state Supreme Court, and some contend PNM isn't eager for a rapid decision. That's because a new, three-person, governor-appointed Public Regulation Commission will take over in January, with the five-member elected commission that has played tough with PNM exiting the scene.
Huge wind project developing in Central New Mexico
One of the biggest wind-energy projects in the world is being whipped up in Central New Mexico, a giant stride for the state's role in renewable energy. The overseer of the project, Pattern Energy, already has completed a New Mexico project called Western Spirit that will provide electricity to Los Angeles, San Jose and other California cities. Pattern Energy has scheduled a bigger New Mexico project, called SunZia, for completion in early 2026.
Forest officials: Dormant prescribed burn caused Calf Canyon Fire
A pile of debris still smoldering from a prescribed burn ignited in January has been determined to be the cause of the Calf Canyon Fire, Santa Fe National Forest officials confirmed Friday. The Calf Canyon Fire merged with the Hermits Peak Fire northwest of Las Vegas, N.M. — which also was caused by a prescribed burn — to create the more than 312,000-acre wildfire that continues to burn in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
At PRC hearing, PNM critics roundly blast San Juan departure plan; utility officials deny accusations
Numerous organizations joined forces this week to argue against the Public Service Company of New Mexico's method of leaving San Juan Generating Station near Farmington. In testimony this week before the Public Regulation Commission, PNM officials contended their plan to depart from the coal-fueled power plant, including costs and timing, is fair and appropriate.
Christus says it will cover cancer clinic patients through end of year
Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center agreed this week cancer patients may keep seeing their doctors at an independent clinic through 2022. The hospital told cancer patients in a letter sent Wednesday it will continue to cover their care at New Mexico Cancer Care Associates in Santa Fe until the end of the year, at which point the contract between the two concludes.
Critics hammer PNM over San Juan exit plan
Numerous organizations joined forces this week to argue against the Public Service Company of New Mexico’s method of leaving San Juan Generating Station near Farmington. In testimony this week before the Public Regulation Commission, PNM officials contended their plan to depart from the coal-fueled power plant, including costs and timing, is fair and appropriate.
New Mexico Gas Co. reaches deal on 4.3% residential rate increase
Numerous organizations announced they reached an agreement late last week with New Mexico Gas Co. on customer rates and other factors. The groups said New Mexico Gas has agreed, among other things, to reduce its proposed rate increase, drop a pilot project involving hydrogen blending with natural gas and analyze options for using electric vehicles in its fleet. A New Mexico Gas spokesman on Tuesday confirmed the agreement had been reached.
PNM chief operating officer denies attempt to double-bill customers over bonds, San Juan shutdown costs
Public Service Company of New Mexico faced tough questions from the public Monday and Tuesday about when and how it decided not to issue low-interest bonds at the same time it leaves the coal-fired San Juan Generating Station later this year. Two hearing examiners for the state Public Regulation Commission oversaw the first two days of a four-day public hearing on the issue.
PNM official denies attempt to double-bill customers
Public Service Company of New Mexico faced tough questions from the public Monday and Tuesday about when and how it decided not to issue low-interest bonds at the same time it leaves the coal-fired San Juan Generating Station later this year. Two hearing examiners for the state Public Regulation Commission oversaw the first two days of a four-day public hearing on the issue.
NM Gas Co. reaches deal on 4.3% residential rate increase
Numerous organizations announced they reached an agreement late last week with New Mexico Gas Co. on customer rates and other factors. The groups said New Mexico Gas has agreed, among other things, to reduce its proposed rate increase, drop a pilot project involving hydrogen blending with natural gas and analyze options for using electric vehicles in its fleet. A New Mexico Gas spokesman on Tuesday confirmed the agreement had been reached.
Archdiocese of Santa Fe reaches tentative sex abuse settlement for $121.5 million
The Archdiocese of Santa Fe tentatively reached a $121.5 million agreement Tuesday in a bankruptcy case involving at least 375 people who accused priests of sexual abuse. Attorneys representing accusers, the archdiocese and insurance companies told U.S. Bankruptcy Judge David Thuma they believe they have reached a settlement. But the accusers still must approve the deal, and it’s also not clear whether Catholic orders such as the Servants of the Paraclete will add money to the sum.
Archdiocese bankruptcy reaches tentative deal for $121.5 million
A tentative deal totaling $121.5 million has been reached in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe's bankruptcy case involving 400 claimants accusing the church of clergy sexual abuse. Although details need to be tied up, attorneys said in a conference with U.S. Bankruptcy Judge David Thuma Tuesday afternoon they were confident they had arrived at a settlement. "It's been a long haul, as everyone can attest," said Tom Walker, an attorney representing the archdiocese.
Archdiocese lawyer gives judge upbeat assessment of possible settlement
An attorney for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe expressed hope Monday a resolution could be announced Tuesday in its 3½-year bankruptcy case. "I'm pleased to tell the court that we are very, very close," Tom Walker of Albuquerque told U.S. Bankruptcy Judge David Thuma in an update. Walker asked that a status conference scheduled Monday be moved to Tuesday to allow for more negotiations, and Thuma complied.
Q&A: Democratic State Auditor primary
Joseph Maestas Age: 61 City of primary residence: Santa Fe Educational background: Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in civil engineering Occupation: Chairman, state Public Regulation Commission Political Experience: Españolacity councilor, 2000-2006; Mayor of Española, 2006-2010; Santa Fe city councilor, 2014-2018; state Public Regulation Commissioner, District 3, 2021-present; Vice Chairman, Martin Luther King, Jr. State Commission, 2021-present.
The Jewish Federation of New Mexico descended into dysfunction over the past 15 months with staff departures, board member resignations, lawsuits and complaints of volatility lodged against its executive director. Now, the organization’s executive director, Rob Lennick, says he is moving on — an impending change that some say gives the Albuquerque-based federation a chance to begin anew. Whether that will happen, however, is far from clear because the problems, many say, run deep.
PNM polled, strategized on San Juan power plant departure
Sensitive to its image and reputation, Public Service Company of New Mexico conducted a survey and did extensive strategizing regarding its departure from the San Juan Generating Station. PNM's abandonment from the coal-burning power plant in northwestern New Mexico has become an issue because some organizations accuse the utility company of not living up to its plan and of hoping to double-bill customers while paying off remaining San Juan expenses.
Maestas returns campaign donation from PRC regular Nanasi
Public Regulation Commissioner Joseph Maestas, who is running for state auditor, has returned a $250 campaign donation from an attorney who is a key player before the PRC. Maestas wrote Friday in a text message he believes the donation in December from Mariel Nanasi of the nonprofit New Energy Economy was "legitimate" but that it nevertheless "became a distraction to our campaign" and was returned.
Battle between Christus St. Vincent, cancer clinic enters new phase
A physician at a Santa Fe cancer clinic engulfed in an ongoing conflict with Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center said he suspects the hospital wants to grind the independent operation into oblivion.
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