If green chile schnitzel exists, it will probably be available Saturday in Rio Rancho. It’s time for Rio Rancho Oktoberfest, a tradition in the city for about three decades. The theme for this year is “Órale Prost,” a combination of Spanish and German interjections commonly used to convey positive feelings. The Rio Rancho Regional Chamber […]
Westside Albuquerque
Posted inWestside Albuquerque
Estancia, Torrance County receive nearly $2.3 million in state transportation funding
The Town of Estancia and Torrance County will receive a combined $2.25 million in state transportation funding to improve local roads, the New Mexico Department of Transportation announced this week. The funding comes through NMDOT’s Transportation Project Fund program, which awarded $16.3 million to 13 local governments across District Five. Statewide, the program distributed $100.4 […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Westside Albuquerque
Rio Rancho Public Schools’ first and only superintendent announces retirement
The longest-serving superintendent in New Mexico announced her retirement Wednesday morning after more than three decades leading Rio Rancho Public Schools since its founding. Dr. V. Sue Cleveland will step down later this school year, with a leadership transition expected in spring 2026, the Rio Rancho Board of Education announced in a joint statement. The […]
Posted inLocal Government, Westside Albuquerque
Rio Rancho council approves police union contract worth $1.4 million
The Rio Rancho City Council unanimously approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Rio Rancho Police and Communications Association on Thursday, authorizing $950,390 in additional funding for fiscal year 2026 to cover enhanced benefits and pay increases. The contract, which runs from Sept. 22, through June 30, 2028, affects 187 bargaining unit positions within […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety
New Mexico woman’s gun show protest triggers constitutional case after arrest
A 70-year-old woman filed a civil rights lawsuit Monday against the City of Moriarty and Torrance County after being arrested and detained for three days while peacefully protesting outside a gun show in February. Jill Gatwood, an Albuquerque resident represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, alleges in the lawsuit that she […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Westside Albuquerque
Santa Fe court launches mental health diversion program for arrestees
The First Judicial District Court has announced a new program designed to divert people with severe mental illness away from the criminal justice system and into treatment services. The competency diversion pilot program will serve individuals charged with misdemeanors, excluding DWI and nonviolent felony offenses. It marks the fourth such initiative established by New Mexico […]
Posted inLocal Government, Westside Albuquerque
The future of rubbish
Sandoval County commissioners are taking an efficiency-focused approach to landfill affairs. At their Sept. 10 meeting, commissioners voted to adopt a new fee schedule for the current county landfill, as well as volume-based discounts intended to maximize use of the site before its shutdown in 2036. Of the latter, Public Works Director Mark Hatzenbuhler told […]
Posted inLocal Government, Westside Albuquerque
Rio Rancho council approves controversial Chamisa Hills development after community outreach
The Rio Rancho City Council unanimously approved the Chamisa Hills master development plan Thursday night, marking a dramatic turnaround for a project that faced fierce opposition just four months ago. The six-member council’s affirmation came after extensive community outreach efforts by developer Steve Chavez and his team, who revised their original proposal following harsh criticism […]
Posted inHousing & Homelessness, Westside Albuquerque
THE BLOCK to celebrate first anniversary with day-long festival
THE BLOCK, a Rio Rancho food hall, will mark its first anniversary Saturday with a celebration featuring live entertainment, face painting and roaming magic shows. The anniversary event runs from noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 13, with activities scheduled throughout the day for families and community members. Face painting will be available from noon to […]
Posted inLocal Government, Westside Albuquerque
Rio Rancho council set to vote on controversial Chamisa Hills development plan
The Rio Rancho City Council will consider final approval of the contentious Chamisa Hills Master Plan during its regular meeting on Thursday at 6 p.m., marking the third time the governing body has weighed the controversial development proposal. The council will vote on Resolution R47, which would adopt the master plan for the 281-acre mixed-use […]