The Town of Edgewood will swear in five newly elected officials Tuesday before considering eight zoning ordinances during a packed regular meeting. The swearing-in ceremony begins at 5 p.m. at Edgewood Town Hall Commission Chambers, 171A NM 344. Municipal Judge William White and four commissioners will take their oaths of office: Kenneth Brennan (District 1), […]
Kevin Hendricks
Kevin Hendricks is a local news editor with nm.news. He is a two-decade veteran of local news as a sportswriter and assistant editor with the ABQ Journal and Rio Rancho Observer.
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Estancia
Estancia’s economic fate hinges on expired detention facility contract
Former Estancia Mayor Nathan Dial expressed concern for the town’s economy if the Torrance County Detention Facility ceases operation, as newly released data shows a surge and decline in detainees during the contract period. The six-month contract between CoreCivic and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was enacted in April and expired at the end of […]
Posted inEast Mountains, General Interest
Sandia Crest company building high-tech infantry weapons
By Rodd Cayton As an intelligence officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, Doug Wood saw firsthand how the first generation of small combat drones showed a need for improvement. He’s taken a step toward providing that improvement, as co-founder and CEO of DFA Systems, a small East Mountains company dedicated to, in his own words, […]
Posted inHealthcare, Torrance County
Torrance County to receive rural health care funding
CHRISTUS St. Vincent will receive state funding to expand primary care services in Torrance County as part of a $20 million statewide rural health care initiative, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced. The health system is one of 32 rural organizations selected for fiscal year 2026 awards from the state’s Rural Health Care Delivery Fund. “These […]
Posted inHealthcare, Sandoval County
Tribal Health Center Serving Sandoval County Among Rural Care Grant Recipients
The Cañoncito Band of Navajo Health Center will receive state funding to expand primary care services on tribal land in Sandoval and Cibola counties, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced. The To’hajiilee-based health center is among 32 rural organizations statewide that will share $20 million in fiscal year 2026 awards from the Rural Health Care Delivery […]
Posted inGeneral Interest, Placitas
Placitas Holiday Market raises over $18,000 for local nonprofits
Organizers announced Monday that the Placitas Holiday Market drew record crowds over Thanksgiving weekend, raising more than $18,000 for five local nonprofit organizations through vendor fees and raffle donations. The two-day event, held Nov. 22-23 at six sites throughout the community, featured local artisans and vendors while directing proceeds to the Placitas Volunteer Fire Brigade, […]
Posted inEast Mountains, Food
Cedar Crest community unites to help with Trail Rider Pizza renovation
Just over three months after the Greenside Cafe closed, Trail Rider Pizza owner Ashlea Cook will take over the space in an expansion of the locally cherished dining spot. “We are in full renovation mode,” Cook told The Independent. Cook, who will celebrate her 20th anniversary in the business next month, has been seeking to […]
Posted inArts & Culture, East Mountains
Cedar Crest art gallery hosting benefit auction, fire performance
Enchanted Soul Art Gallery is hosting a weekend of events to close out its year before entering a seasonal hibernation that will last until early April. The gallery, located at 12220 Highway 14 N., will feature a fire hoop performance, an art auction benefiting a local teacher facing illness and a youth gingerbread house contest […]
Posted inEvents, Sandoval County
Sandoval County Animal Services to host holiday adoption event
Sandoval County Animal Services will host its Holiday Adoption Extravaganza on Saturday, Dec. 20, offering families the chance to adopt dogs in time for the holidays. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bernalillo Community Museum and will feature adoptable canines, a visiting Santa Dog and community partners. Families who […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Placitas
Federal jury convicts man in 2018 kidnapping after seven years as fugitive
A federal jury has convicted a man who evaded capture for seven years after kidnapping and carjacking his former employer in a violent 2018 attack in Placitas. Jose Ramirez, 37, was found guilty this week of conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping, conspiracy to carjack, carjacking, using a firearm during a crime of violence and extortion, according […]