Rio Rancho Observer

08/22/2025

This could be huge for Sandoval County if it is selected for the project

RIO RANCHO — Sandoval County is in the running for a major investment in a project that could potentially bring hundreds of jobs to the county.

08/22/2025

A jury has found Matthew Chavez guilty of second-degree murder in the 2023 death of Jordan Gallegos

BERNALILLO — Matthew Chavez has been found guilty in a 2023 murder, but not on the charge prosecutors were seeking.

08/19/2025

The weather couldn't have been much better for the 20th celebration of Sunday is Funday over the weekend

RIO RANCHO — If it's Sunday, it's Funday.

08/17/2025

08/16/2025

Paid Advertisement

🚨 Rio Rancho — We’re ONE WEEK Away from New Mexico’s Ultimate Car Show Weekend! 🚨
Pistons for Patriots roars into town next weekend — and you won’t want to miss it! Grab your friends, bring the family, and come experience one of the biggest car events in the state.

Event Details:
📅 August 23–24
📍 Expo New Mexico Fairgrounds
🎶 Free concert by Nosotros
👋 Meet Bill Carlton from Texas Metal
🏆 Awards in every category
🎧 Live DJ • Food Trucks • Vendors • Family Fun
💯 Proceeds benefit Paws and Stripes to support veterans

✅ See it all — classics, customs, lowriders, lifted trucks, imports, rat rods & more!
🚗 Want to be part of the show? Vehicle registration is still open at www.pistonsforpatriots.com.

🎟 General admission just $15 for both days — and kids 12 & under are FREE!

👉 Full details & tickets at www.pistonsforpatriots.com

08/15/2025

Meet our new sports writer! Dan Allison joined the Observer staff this week

RIO RANCHO — After months of searching, the Rio Rancho Observer has a new sports writer.

08/14/2025

There was an overload of cuteness at the Sandoval County Commission meeting last night

BERNALILLO — It was an evening for the dogs Aug. 13 at the Sandoval County Commission meeting as the commissioners recognized National Dog Month with a proclamation.

08/14/2025

What does the season hold in story for Rio Rancho High cross-country after the graduations of notable seniors?

RIO RANCHO — State championships, national rankings, Coach of the Year awards.

08/13/2025

Monday Night Raw is coming to Rio Rancho. See how you can get tickets

RIO RANCHO - For the first time, WWE's live TV program "Monday Night Raw" is coming to Rio Rancho.

08/05/2025

🚨 SPEED BLITZ IN EFFECT: SCHOOL ZONES UNDER THE RADAR 🚨

The Rio Rancho Police Department is launching a School Zone Speed Blitz to protect our children as they head back to class.

📍 Enforcement is increased near all schools across the city during morning and afternoon hours.

📸 If you’re speeding — expect to be stopped. No warnings. No excuses.

💥 ZERO TOLERANCE for:
Speeding in school zones 🚗💨
Ignoring crossing guards 🚷
Passing stopped school buses 🚌
Distracted or reckless driving 📵

👮‍♂️ “If you choose to speed through a school zone, you’re choosing to put lives at risk — and you will be held accountable.”

✅ Slow down. Stay alert. Keep our kids safe.

07/30/2025

The Rio Rancho community gathered Tuesday evening to honor the local teen murdered in last week's shooting on the UNM campus

RIO RANCHO — A grieving community filled Haynes Park the evening of July 29 for Rio Rancho High School student Michael LaMotte, who was killed in a University of New