Dozens of animal lovers, including Sandoval County officials and U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, braved the cold Thursday morning to break ground on a long-awaited Animal Resource Center near Interstate 25 and Highway 550 in Bernalillo that will replace an overcrowded temporary shelter that has operated with just 21 kennels for years. The new facility, valued […]
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, Rio Rancho
Man arrested on kidnapping, sexual assault charges involving 13-year-old girl
New Mexico State Police have arrested a 34-year-old man on charges of kidnapping and sexual assault following an investigation involving a 13-year-old girl from Rio Rancho, authorities announced. The suspect was booked into the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center following his arrest Feb. 15. He faces charges of first-degree kidnapping, criminal sexual penetration of a […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Rio Rancho, The 528 Rio Rancho
Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue ready to break ground on new fire station
After years of planning, data collection and funding pursuits, Rio Rancho Fire Rescue is on the verge of breaking ground on Fire Station 8 — the city’s first new fire station since 2011 — with a bid closing March 26 and shovels expected in the ground as early as late April. Fire Chief James Wenzel […]
Posted inElections & Politics, Rio Rancho
Early voting turnout outpaces 2022 numbers in Rio Rancho municipal election
Early voting in Rio Rancho’s March 3 municipal election is tracking ahead of 2022 levels, City Clerk Noel Davis told the Governing Body during a work session Tuesday. Davis said 692 voters cast ballots during the first days of early voting at the Broadmoor Senior Center, which opened as the sole early voting site Feb. […]
Posted inFeatures, Rio Rancho
New Mexico Goatheads build momentum for inaugural season
As the New Mexico Goatheads prepare to drop the puck on their inaugural season, the front office has hit the ice running. It was May 7 when guests in sharp suits gathered at the Rio Rancho Events Center to make it official: pro hockey was coming back to New Mexico. The team — then known […]
Posted in+Arts & Culture, Placitas
Placitas Community Library Announces Spring Events, Free Seed Program
The Placitas Community Library is launching a series of community programs this spring, including a free seed library, art exhibition and educational events for children and nature enthusiasts. The library’s Seed Library Program offers residents free access to more than 500 varieties of donated seed packets, including flowers, fruits, herbs, vegetables and native New Mexico […]
Posted inElections & Politics, Town of Bernalillo
Bernalillo’s future: Candidates weigh tax hike, water rights
Home-grown incumbents Mayor Jack Torres and Town Councilors Vincent Montoya and Gerred Prairie shared their visions for the future of the town they were born and raised in during a candidate forum on Feb. 15 at Bernalillo High School. Torres, seeking a fifth term in the March 3 election, told about 40 residents at Bernalillo […]
Posted inEvents, Rio Rancho, The 528 Rio Rancho
Balloons to fill Rio Rancho skies for Valentine’s weekend rally
More than 70 hot-air balloons will ascend over Rio Rancho this Valentine’s Day weekend as the Friends & Lovers Balloon Rally returns for its annual celebration. The free, family-friendly event will take place Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 14-15, with launches beginning in the early morning around 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. The rally, hosted by […]
Posted inLocal Government, Rio Rancho, The 528 Rio Rancho
Rio Rancho moves forward with $63.4M water plan
The Rio Rancho City Council on Thursday took a step towards authorizing up to $63.4 million in water and wastewater system bonds to fund critical utility infrastructure improvements and refinance existing debt, a move officials said will save ratepayers up to $2 million in interest costs over 20 years. The council unanimously approved the bond […]
Posted inHealthcare, Sandoval County
UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center reports low staff turnover, service expansions
UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center is experiencing record-low employee turnover and significant improvements in patient care, officials told the Sandoval County Commission on Feb. 11. The hospital’s turnover rate sits below 6.5%, far lower than the national average of 12% to 18%, CEO Kate Becker said during her quarterly update to commissioners. “The relationship of […]