A group of Native American leaders say they were falsely listed as participants in a Republican Party event at the New Mexico State Capitol without their knowledge or consent, prompting the state’s Democratic Party chair to call for an apology and a sharp rebuttal from a Republican senator from Rio Rancho. The controversy centers on […]
Rio Rancho
‘Hustle’ busted: Man in fake Target vest used magnet to steal $1,000+ in electronics
A 34-year-old Cedar Crest man faces shoplifting and larceny charges after police say he used a magnet device to steal more than $1,180 worth of merchandise from a Rio Rancho Target store. Rio Rancho police responded to the Target at 4225 Crestview Drive SE at approximately 12:42 p.m. Sunday after asset protection staff reported a […]
Rio Rancho police invite the public to Coffee with a Cop
The Rio Rancho Police Department will host a Coffee with a Cop event on Feb. 10, inviting community members to meet with local law enforcement officers over coffee. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Brekki Brekki, located at 3755 Southern Blvd. in Rio Rancho. Coffee with a Cop is […]
Should Rio Rancho be a sanctuary city? One mayoral candidate thinks so
A question about sanctuary city policy sparked a crowd reaction at a mayoral candidate forum on Feb. 3, with one candidate breaking from her opponents to voice support for the designation. During the forum hosted by The Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Rio Rancho Observer, mayoral candidate Alexandria Piland was the only […]
Rio Rancho arts organization seeks singers, actors for new season
Rio Rancho Creative Crossroads is recruiting participants for multiple programs this month, including two youth choral groups and a community theatre production. The Children’s Chorus of Rio Rancho and Rio Rancho Youth Chorus will hold their first rehearsal Saturday, Jan. 17, at Star Heights Recreation Center, 800 Polaris Blvd. The session will include an informational […]
Rio Rancho Public Schools names first new superintendent in over three decades
For the first time in its 31-year history, Rio Rancho Public Schools will have a new leader. The Board of Education unanimously approved Dr. Robert W. Dodd as the district’s next superintendent during a meeting Wednesday, according to a district press release. Dodd, currently the director of school leadership and improvement for Montgomery County Public […]
Rio Rancho council to receive Project Ranger update as controversy continues
The Rio Rancho City Council will receive an update Thursday on the controversial Project Ranger hypersonic missile facility, with city staff scheduled to brief officials on the status of agreements with Sandoval County and the defense contractor behind the project. City staff will update the Governing Body during a 3 p.m. work session on progress […]
Rio Rancho school superintendent candidates meet the community, discuss their ideas
The three educators vying to be the next leader of Rio Rancho Public Schools took different approaches when introducing themselves to the community Monday evening. Dr. Heather Sanchez, chief operating officer for the Bellevue (Washington) School District, billed herself as a native New Mexican with an understanding of the districtโs need and a track record […]
New spots, new tech: Here are the 10 locations for Rio Rancho’s next-gen traffic cameras
Say goodbye to the damn van, Rio Rancho. The Rio Rancho Police Department will replace its current mobile speed enforcement cameras with updated equipment this weekend. The new equipment, consisting of 10 mobile units, will replace vehicle-based automated cameras currently used in the cityโs Safe Traffic Operations Program, known as STOP. The change comes as […]
Candidates to helm Rio Rancho schools will appear at public event
The search for Rio Rancho Public Schoolsโ second-ever leader is nearing its final stages. The next step will be the candidates introducing themselves to the community. The Board of Education Tuesday selected three finalists as it looks to replace V. Sue Cleveland, the only superintendent RRPS has had: Dr. Heather Sanchez, chief operating officer for […]


