Staff report Cibola Arts Gallery celebrated its 30th anniversary this month, marking three decades of artistic collaboration and community involvement. Founded by Mary Shultz and a dozen local artists, the gallery has operated as an artist-run cooperative since its inception. Over 50 artists have contributed to the gallery over the years, reflecting Mountainair’s evolving culture. […]
Moriarty
Moriarty High School robotics team wins state title, heads to World Championship
By Kevin Hendricks Moriarty High School’s newly formed NM-MESA robotics team has had quite a debut season, winning the VEX V5 NM State Championship in early March and qualifying for the World Championship in Dallas in May. The team is composed of freshmen, sophomores, and seniors with a focus on competition and small-scale robotics. It […]
Antiques abound at Roots 66 Rendezvous in Moriarty
Staff report The Roots 66 Rendezvous and Extravaganza antique show is returning to Moriarty in April. The event, which debuted in Moriarty last year, will return to the Moriarty Convention Center on April 4 and 5. The show runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days and will showcase antiques, bottles, insulators, jewelry, rocks, […]
Driven by Tenacity
Editor’s note: This article originally stated incorrect information about Kay’s RV in Moriarty. Kay’s RV is also a full-service RV dealership offering the sale of used 5th wheels, travel trailers and motorhomes, new Idle-Time RVs, consignment services and parts and service. By Andrea Vasquez From generation to generation, RV Sales, Inc., located in Moriarty, has […]
Wildfire Season Presents Home Insurance Challenges for East Mountain Residents
Wildfire season is near and options are limited to ensure the safety of East Mountain residents’ homes. Due to the high risk of wildfires caused by climate change and extended drought, only a handful of insurance companies are willing to cover homes in fire-prone areas. According to the Western Fire Chiefs Association, New Mexico’s peak […]
Hal Crossley and the New Town of Buford, NM
This article is provided by the East Mountain Historical Society. Learn more at eastmountainhistory.org By Rick Holben Buford, New Mexico had its beginnings on 160 acres of land purchased in about 1937 by Hal Crossley, near what is now Old Route 66 and Eunice Road in Moriarty. In 1937, the alignment of Highway 66 was […]
Eight Cattle Dead After Rollover Crash in Moriarty
By Independent Staff A rollover crash in Moriarty last week left eight cattle dead. According to the Moriarty Fire Department, a semi-truck crashed on Interstate 40 near Moriarty on Feb. 5 resulting in the deaths of eight cattle. The Moriarty Fire Department reported that the incident occurred around 11 p.m. at mile marker 197. The […]
Estancia Goes to Washington to Seek Funding
By Andrea Vasquez The town of Estancia is planning another trip to Washington, D.C., for funding purposes. Mayor Nathan Dial confirmed that Estancia is considering a trip to the nation’s capitol to secure funding for one of the town’s new “big ticket item” project. The project will include a park, pond and pool, with a […]
BernCo District 5’s Legislative Priorities Aim to Enhance Mountain Communities
By The Independent Staff The Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners has announced its legislative priorities for the 2025 state legislative session, with District 5 highlighting the unique needs of its constituents. District 5, which includes parts of the East Mountains, is seeking funding for several projects to improve infrastructure and enhance community spaces. “District 5 […]
Like a Turquoise Cowboy: Estancia Valley to Host First Youth Ranch Rodeo This Summer
New Mexican children will be able to participate in the first Youth Ranch Rodeo, which will be held in Santa Fe on July 19. The East Mountain Rodeo Association of Edgewood (EMRA) was founded in 2020 and has hosted five adult rodeo competitions since then. Now, it is giving the kids a shot. It will […]