Sandoval County Commissioners made key decisions regarding legislative priorities, juvenile detention and preserving professional firefighting in the Cuba area Nov. 12. With the 2026 legislative session just weeks away, Commissioners chose to OK a set of the county’s priorities, which staff and lobbyists will pursue in Santa Fe starting in January. The commission also signed […]
Westside Albuquerque
Posted inLocal Government, Westside Albuquerque
Rio Rancho fire chief raises concerns about Project Ranger’s impact
Rio Rancho Fire Chief James Wenzel warned city councilors Thursday that a proposed high-hazard facility in Sandoval County could strain the city’s fire department resources and pose unique safety challenges. Wenzel told the council Nov. 13 that Project Ranger, planned for county property just outside city limits, will trigger automatic aid responses from Rio Rancho […]
Posted inJobs, Workers & Economy, Westside Albuquerque
Sandoval County selected for hypersonic missile manufacturing facility
A California-based defense contractor has officially selected Sandoval County as the site for a 1,000-acre hypersonic missile manufacturing campus that promises to bring more than 300 jobs with average salaries of $100,000 to the area. Castelion announced Nov. 17 it chose Sandoval County for Project Ranger, a solid rocket motor manufacturing facility that will be […]
Posted inLocal Government, Westside Albuquerque
Rio Rancho approves $1 million supporting controversial hypersonic missile facility
The Rio Rancho City Council closed out a marathon meeting Wednesday night by voting to contribute $1 million toward a road extension project linked to a planned hypersonic missile manufacturing facility outside city limits, but only after adding safeguards requiring formal agreements on emergency response and road construction before releasing funds. The governing body approved […]
Posted inWestside Albuquerque
Sandoval County Landfill offering free half-day Saturday
If the weather holds up, Sandoval County residents will be treated to a free half-day of dumping at the county landfill. From 8 a.m. to noon. Saturday, residents won’t be charged disposal fees at the landfill, 2708 Iris Road NE. Customers may make multiple trips, but are limited to dumping four tires, two TVs and […]
Posted inWestside Albuquerque
Torrance County sheriff seeks community input for employee awards
Torrance County Sheriff David Frazee is requesting residents nominate deputies and civilian employees for the department’s annual “Deputy of the Year Award and Civilian of the Year Award,” according to a press release issued by the sheriff’s office. The awards recognize outstanding service to the community, with selections based on exemplary service, bravery, leadership and […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Westside Albuquerque
Sen. Heinrich calls for evacuation of Torrance County ICE facility after contract lapse
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich is demanding answers from federal immigration officials about the continued operation of a New Mexico detention facility despite the expiration of its contract more than two weeks ago. The New Mexico Democrat sent a letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons last week questioning the legal authority […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Westside Albuquerque
Craft fair coming to Sandoval County HQ
Most New Mexicans know someone who appreciates handcrafted gifts. With the holiday shopping season approaching, the Sandoval County Employee Appreciation Committee (SCEAC) is hosting its seventh annual holiday craft fair in the lobby of the county administration building. More than 30 vendors will be offering items such as toys, jewelry, clothing and food delicacies at […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Westside Albuquerque
They’ll have to kill me: Torrance County suspect threatened suicide by cop during domestic violence standoff
A 38-year-old man faces multiple charges, including attempted burglary and battery, following a domestic violence incident in Torrance County, according to a criminal complaint filed Wednesday in magistrate court. The Torrance County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic violence call at approximately 9:24 a.m. on Nov. 11 in Moriarty, according to the affidavit. The complaint […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Westside Albuquerque
Rio Rancho man charged after attacking mother with metal pipe
A 31-year-old Rio Rancho man faces felony charges after allegedly attacking his mother with a metal pipe and damaging a pastor’s vehicle during a domestic dispute Monday, according to court documents filed in Bernalillo Magistrate Court. The man was charged with aggravated assault against a household member with a deadly weapon and criminal damage to […]