March 24, 2026
News
Man Throws Rocks Because ‘They’ Stole His Gold
Prosecutors are asking a judge to hold a man without bail pending trial after he allegedly threw rocks into the homes of people he knew, as well as through commercial buildings, under what appears to be delusions that they stole his gold.
Man With a ‘Secret Weapon’ Chases Thief
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.
Pueblo Buys Western Holiday Motel Land
Plans to turn the Western Holiday Motel on the southern edge of town into a mixed-use business have fallen through. Now all that’s left of the motel is a vacant lot and some rubble.
City Hall Cameras Turned Off
The decision by the Española Clerk’s Office to turn off security cameras in the voting room at City Hall during early voting for the recent city election caused confusion for city officials and community members.
Española Humane Cuts Ribbon on New Facility
It took about a year, but the ribbon was cut on Española Humane’s new 7,010-square-foot animal clinic at 2125 El Llano Road on Feb. 24.
Man Accused of Killing Father Not Competent to Stand Trial
A judge found Ricky Romero not competent to stand trial and a danger to the community, on Aug. 26, ordering him to be committed to the state’s mental hospital in Las Vegas.
Northern Briefs
The 10th annual Rio Chama Congreso will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 21 at the El Rito Northern New Mexico College campus in the Cutting Hall dining room. There will be in-person presentations, discussions and free lunch provided by El Farolito. Topics include: Fire outlook, water outlook, river connectivity, watershed restoration plans, beaver project, regional water plan, Rio Chama channel rehab, reclamation updates, Basin study, El Vado, lots of opportunities to connect and network across the watershed. There will also be a free screening of “Thinking Like Water” in the evening. The event is free but registration is required. Register at https://riochamacongreso.eventbrite. com
Charges Against Restaurant Owner Dropped
Prosecutors dismissed a felony charge against a restaurant owner accused by a New Mexico State Police officer of deleting surveillance footage that had been the subject of a subpoena in a liquor law violation investigation.