Did you know there’s an elk ranch in Placitas? If not, you have plenty of company, says Keith Allen West of the Elk Ridge Ranch on State Route 165. He said many in the community are unaware of its existence. The first Placitas Ranch Fest, which takes place Saturday, could change that. The event will […]
■ Sandoval County
Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District celebrates 100 Years of service
The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD) is marking a significant milestone in 2025: its 100th anniversary. As the district enters the 2025 irrigation season, it celebrates a century of managing water resources in the Middle Rio Grande Valley, a task that has historically been met with numerous challenges and continues to face difficulties with […]
Award-Winning children’s author Daniel Vandever to visit Placitas Library
The Placitas Library will host award-winning children’s author and illustrator Daniel Vandever for a summer reading program on June 28 at 1 p.m. Vandever (Diné) is an entrepreneur hailing from Haystack, NM, and serves as the CEO of South of Sunrise Creative, a strategic communications firm dedicated to advancing education initiatives through a community-based approach. […]
Juneteenth: what’s open, what’s closed
Thursday is Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the day in 1865 when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas. Sandoval County and some of its communities will be observing the holiday, meaning most services will be unavailable. Most City of Rio Rancho offices and facilities will be closed. Emergency and public safety services will operate […]
Forest Service proposes major Sandia Cave upgrades, seeks public input
The U.S. Forest Service is seeking public input on a plan to restore and upgrade Sandia Cave, a historic and culturally significant site in the Sandia Mountains. The proposed improvements aim to protect the landmark from ongoing damage while enhancing safety and access for the growing number of visitors. The Sandia Cave Improvements Project, led […]
Say ‘I do’ then pay more: Marriage license fees more than double on June 20
Couples planning to get married in New Mexico will see an increase in marriage license costs. The Sandoval County Clerk’s Office announced that starting June 20, marriage license fees have increased from $25 to $55 statewide. The increase is the result of Senate Bill 290, which was signed into law by the governor on April […]
Placitas Community Library announces 2025 Summer Reading Program
The Placitas Community Library is inviting children ages Pre-K through 11 and their families to participate in its 2025 In-Person Summer Reading Program. The program, themed “Color Our World: All About Art and Artists,” will be held on Saturdays from 1-3 PM. The summer reading program will feature various art-related activities. Scheduled events include a […]
Sandoval County encourages peaceful protest, is prepared for trouble
Sandoval County is ready to keep the peace Saturday, should a local variant of protests against the Trump presidency take place. After a couple of speakers at Wednesday’s county commissioners meeting brought up “No Kings” protests scheduled for cities around the country, Commissioner Jordan Juarez asked staff whether such would be a problem locally. County […]
Corn Maiden restaurant launches new Sunday dining series
Corn Maiden, the fine dining establishment at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, is introducing a new Sunday dining series. Starting June 15, the restaurant will host special pre-dinner receptions on the third Sunday of each month, featuring guided tastings and small plates. “We’re thrilled to offer guests a unique way to connect and enjoy […]
District court rules Sandoval Regional Medical Center violated law in dispute with union
A state district court has ruled that the University of New Mexico Sandoval Regional Medical Center (SRMC) violated the legal bargaining rights of the United Health Professionals of New Mexico (UHPNM). District Court Judge Elaine Lujan upheld findings by the Public Employee Labor Relations Board that SRMC failed to bargain over a proposed reduction in […]

