April 12, 2026
News
Pets of the Week 4/9/26
Waffles is syrupy sweet and this little breakfast bandit is now officially up for adoption at the Ojo Santa Fe Puppy Patch! He’s a 2 month old 11 lb. blue heeler-mix fresh from foster care and he’s ready to melt into you like butter on pancakes. He’s neutered, up-to-date and vaccines, microchipped and goes home with six months of heartworm prevention.
Man Pleads Guilty to Drunk Driving
A 24-year-old Española man pleaded guilty to a single count of drunk driving, following a June 12 crash in which deputies allegedly found the passenger in his car died from what appeared to be an overdose before the crash.
Woman Wants Invisible Husband Removed From Home
The police blotter is published to give readers an abridged look at criminal activity in their community and neighborhood. It is simply an illustration of what local law enforcement, funded by taxpayers, must deal with daily throughout the Española Valley.
Northern Briefs 4/9/26
Items for Northern Briefs may be submitted by sending them to jgarcia@riograndesun.com Submissions must be received no later than noon Monday for publication that week.
Woman Gets 5 Years for Beating, Theft
An Española woman will spend five years on supervised probation for beating a man with a metal pipe, taking his wallet and using it to buy things at Walmart.
Newly Elected Officials Take City Reins
April Fool’s Day ushered in change for the City of Española, as new Mayor Dennis Tim Salazar, Councilors Manuel Martinez, Aaron Salazar, Stephen Salazar and Justin Salazar-Torrez, as well as Municipal Judge Joseph W. Madrid got sworn into office.
Fired Nurse Sues Española Hospital
A nurse is suing the Presbyterian Española Hospital for allegedly firing her a day after she complained about the unprofessional behavior of a medical assistant, and months after she filed a series of complaints about issues with patient care.
No New Faces in District 1 Race
The race for District 1 commissioner in Rio Arriba County is filled with familiar faces.
Gallegos Faces 4-7 Years for Stabbing
A Hernandez man faces four to seven years in prison for stabbing his cousin repeatedly in the neck with a screwdriver, after his attorney dropped concerns around his competency.