By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. New Mexico’s overdose crisis just got a new villain, according to the governor: the federal agency that’s supposed to be fighting it. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says reporting from the Associated Press and Albuquerque Journal revealed the Drug Enforcement Administration knowingly let hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills reach New […]
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Posted in■ Environment, Conservation & Climate
Sandoval County deploys mist truck to zap mosquitoes before they hatch
By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. Sandoval County is rolling out a new weapon in its war on mosquitoes this summer — a specialized truck that shoots a bacteria-laced mist 100 feet into the air to kill larvae before they ever become adults. The Public Health Road Runner 54564 truck goes into service in July, starting […]
Posted in■ Local Government
Rio Rancho pumps the brakes on Maverik gas station
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 […]
Posted inFeatures
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 […]
Posted in■ Local Government
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 […]
Posted in■ Events
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 […]
Posted in■ Politics & Elections
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 […]
Posted in■ Local Government
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 […]
Posted inNM.news
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, […]
Posted in■ Local Government
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, […]