Sen. Steve Lainier (R-Aztec) on Thursday became the second Republican to officially declare his candidacy for governor. Lanier, a retired educator and coach, and a first-term state senator from Aztec, announced his candidacy in a press release posted on Facebook. “As someone who spent my life serving this community – in the classroom, on the […]
+Communities
Newly reelected Commissioner Brennan to focus on road construction, water rights
By Lauren Lifke After a close race for the Edgewood Town Commission District 1 seat, incumbent Ken Brennan held onto his seat by just over 100 votes, beating out opponent Adrian Chavez. “I’m feeling relieved,” Brennan told The Independent. “I’m glad it’s over. In my opinion, this race got kind of nasty.” Brennan started his […]
Letter to the editor: Leadership, infrastructure and the future of Edgewood
Letter to the EditorJohn Abrams, former mayor of Edgewood “plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.” (“the more things change, the more they stay the same”) Wrote Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr in 1849, and so it is in Edgewood in 2025. After the election signs are taken away and the rush of campaigns and elections […]
Governor calls special session to extend food benefits amid federal shutdown
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Thursday she will call the New Mexico Legislature into special session Monday to extend state-funded food benefits as a federal government shutdown continues, according to a statement from the governor’s office. The one-day session comes 10 days after Lujan Grisham released $30 million in emergency state funds to provide benefits […]
Bernalillo meeting likely to be brief
Town councilors in Bernalillo could have a very brief meeting Monday. The list of agenda items includes nothing likely to be subject to protracted debate. Town treasurer Terri Gray will seek approval from the council for a budget adjustment in the special revenue fund accounts, give a financial update and present accounts payable vouchers. The […]
Sandoval County’s popular chile stickers sit out 2025 election
Voters in Sandoval County who cast ballots this week might have noticed something missing from the voting experience. The county’s popular “Red or Green” chile-themed “I Voted” stickers that have become a local tradition in recent elections were not handed out to voters after they did their civic duty. Instead, the county’s Bureau of Elections […]
Bernalillo road project on Camino Don Tomas nears completion after delays
A preventative maintenance project on Camino Don Tomas has taken longer than expected due to contractor issues, however, Town of Bernalillo officials expect the work to be completed by the end of November. The Town of Bernalillo contracted with Sunland Asphalt to seal coat the roadway and walking path, and to install new bollards along […]
Rio Rancho to host Veterans Day parade, ceremony
The City of Rio Rancho will honor veterans with a parade and ceremony Tuesday, Nov. 11, with a portion of Southern Boulevard closing to traffic during the event. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and will travel east along Southern Boulevard, ending at Veterans Monument Park near the intersection of Southern Boulevard and Pinetree Road. […]
Edgewood Commission to discuss Town Manager posting in special meeting
The Edgewood Town Commission will meet Thursday evening to discuss posting for a new Town Manager position and consider appointing an interim manager, less than two weeks after Town Manager Nina McCracken resigned following a contentious closed session. The special meeting, scheduled for 5 p.m. at Edgewood Town Hall Commission Chambers, includes discussion and action […]
What Rio Rancho’s $80 million bond approval means for students
The overwhelming approval of Rio Rancho Public Schools’ $80 million bond Tuesday means students across the district will learn in modernized buildings with improved safety features, expanded athletic facilities and new educational opportunities beginning next year. The measure passed with approximately 76% support, with 8,749 voting in favor and 2,738 against, according to unofficial results. […]

