April 12, 2026
News
‘Cultures & Creators’ Exhibit Returns to Los Luceros Historic Site
The Northern Río Grande National Heritage Area (NRGNHA) presents the return of “Cultures & Creators” April 11-19 to the Los Luceros Historic Site 6.
Friday Night Live! An Improv Comedy Showcase
Friday Night Live! brings together rising student performers and seasoned improvisers for a one-night-only showcase of live comedy. Featuring the UB Española Improv Troupe, Cup of Noodles, alongside performers from Santa Fe Improv, this free event spotlights homegrown talent from the Española Valley and beyond.
2 Plead Guilty in Beating, Shooting Case
Two men pleaded guilty to charges in a beating case where they broke a man’s teeth and jaw, leaving him with injuries so severe, he was taken to a hospital in Albuquerque for his trauma.
$25,000 Grant Boosts Parkinson’s Glove Development
What began three years ago as the Parkinson’s Glove Project at Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) and Española Valley High School’s (EVHS) has transformed into Española GloveWorks, a newly formed 501(c)(3) focused on developing youth creativity, technical competence and leadership while bringing the hope of a promising technology to people suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
Prosecutors Want Man Held Without Bail
Prosecutors are asking a judge to hold a Santa Clara man without bail pending trial for spraying an Española police officer in the face with pepper spray, after the officer pulled a stun gun on him over a possible case of trespassing at Walmart.
Northern Briefs 4/2/26
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.
Shirtless Man on a Mission to Hitchhike to Chamita
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.
Pets of the Week 4/2/26
Blake the bubbly, bright-eyed boy is here to bring the fun and the joy to your days. This 10-month-old, 46-lb. shepherd/husky-mix is a smiling, splash-seeking, leaf-chasing legend. Blake believes everyday should include a little adventure, a lot of joy, lots and lots of stuffies and preferably water. A total river romancer, Blake happily paddles along catching drifting leaves like they’re nature’s tennis balls. He’ll even dip his face underwater and blow bubbles like it’s his personal party trick.
Judge Orders Martinez to be Released
An Española man who led deputies on a low-speed chase after backing toward one in an effort to flee in La Mesilla, was ordered released on his own recognizance after a judge denied an attempt by prosecutors to have him held without bail pending trial.
Vigil Administration Meets 1 Last Time
The last Española City Council meeting of Mayor John Ramon Vigil’s administration included the generic praise and speeches that are expected at those occasions. The remarks were punctuated by tears and candid comments by some of the councilors as they shared their feelings about each other and the last four years.