By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. Neighbors who spent weeks circulating petitions and distributing flyers against a proposed Maverik gas station near Enchanted Hills Elementary School got a reprieve Thursday night when the Rio Rancho Governing Body voted 4-2 to postpone the site plan vote until September 10. The vote delayed — but did not kill […]
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The science of suds: How an environmental engineer built a brewery empire
By Tristen Critchfield It all started during a transitory phase in life, a new hobby acquired to alleviate boredom. An engineer by day, Scott Salvas used to blow off steam in his down time by playing gigs with various local bands. After he and his wife moved into a new home, Salvas decided to let […]
Showdown at City Hall: Residents prepare for June 25 vote on gas station
By Tristen Critchfield A proposed gas station in Rio Rancho has been met with strong opposition from residents of a nearby neighborhood. Now, many of those residents are distributing flyers and gathering signatures on a petition to stop a proposed Maverik convenience store ahead of a Governing Body vote on June 25. Neighbors filed the […]
From NHL ice to New Mexico: Zack Stortini named Goatheads’ first head coach
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. The New Mexico Goatheads answered the question fans have been asking since day one: Zack Stortini will be the first head coach in franchise history, the team announced Saturday at a packed reveal party at The Block in Rio Rancho. Stortini, 40, played 257 NHL games with the Edmonton Oilers […]
Toulouse Oliver steps back from Lt. Governor race, citing health and family
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver is stepping back from her campaign for Lieutenant Governor, citing recent changes to her health. Toulouse Oliver announced the decision Thursday morning in a statement posted to social media, saying she’ll take the step “in the coming days.” She said the choice […]
Rio Rancho set for major upgrades: $18 Million authorized for roads, safety and community projects
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. Rio Rancho’s Governing Body gave final approval Thursday to the sale of $18 million in voter-approved general obligation bonds, clearing the way for road reconstruction, public safety equipment and quality-of-life upgrades across the city. The council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 6 on second reading, authorizing the bond issuance. No […]
Rio Rancho activates 3 new speed cameras on deadly N.M. 528
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. Three new speed cameras went live Monday on N.M. 528 — the Rio Rancho corridor that has seen two fatal crashes in seven weeks and claimed seven lives in 18 months — as state and city officials escalate automated enforcement on the highway. Rio Rancho police deployed the units today, […]
Sandoval County commissioners vote to demand assessor resign, she says she’ll step down on her terms
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. Sandoval County commissioners voted 4-1 on June 10 to demand County Assessor Linda Gallegos resign over her dual-salary arrangement — but not before Gallegos herself took the podium to endorse the resolution, submitted documents defending her conduct and walked out of chambers to work in her office downstairs. The resolution, […]
‘Taxpayer-funded side hustle?’ County assessor faces resignation request over two government paychecks
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. Sandoval County commissioners will formally request the resignation of County Assessor Linda Gallegos Wednesday after she took a full-time position with the New Mexico Treasurer’s Office in May while continuing to collect her elected-office salary — but Gallegos says she has kept up with her duties and calls the commission’s […]
Celebrating freedom: Rio Rancho marks Juneteenth with free community festival
Rio Rancho marks Juneteenth with a free community celebration Saturday, June 20 at Haynes Park, bringing together music, food and performance to honor the emancipation of enslaved Americans. The City of Rio Rancho hosts the event June 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Haynes Park, 2006 Grande Blvd. SE. Entertainment includes a Caribbean […]


