Michaela Helean

Staff Writer at Rio Rancho Observer

Journalism is the first rough draft of history-Philip Graham

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Articles

Update: Shoppers react to Market Street opening after April 24 celebration | Business | rrobserver.com

2 months ago | rrobserver.com | Michaela Helean

RIO RANCHO — It was a sight to behold, the grand opening of Rio Rancho’s Market Street April 25, when it opened to the public.
RRPD Arrest Records: March 1-29

2 months ago | rrobserver.com | Michaela Helean

Chassidy Garcia, 52, of Rio Rancho, was arrested for DWI, expired registration and no insurance at an unspecified address. Brian Long, 48, of Albuquerque, was arrested for DWI and speeding at an unspecified address. Alfredo Rubio, 59, of Rio Rancho, was arrested for aggravated DWI, careless driving, two counts of resisting arrest, failure to register or title vehicle as required and no insurance at an unspecified address. Jacob Cuevas, 38, of Santa Cruz, was arrested for shoplifting at Target.
St. Felix has new board chair

2 months ago | rrobserver.com | Michaela Helean

RIO RANCHO- St. Felix Pantry announced April 15 that Dr. Thomas Staton PT, DPT was elected as Chairman of the Board March 27. Staton takes over after the sudden passing of previous Chairman Mark White in February. His term will run through December 2026. “I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to succeed my close friend, Mark White, in taking on the responsibility of Chair of the St Felix Pantry Board,” said Staton.
Public comment time limit rule splits commissioner opinions; 3-minute rule doesn't pass

2 months ago | rrobserver.com | Michaela Helean

BERNALILLO — The question of how long public comment should be limited to has been an issue in Sandoval County Commission since a two-minute limit was established in 2023. Commissioners were divided April 9 when a resolution to increase the time to three minutes came up at the meeting, and ultimately that division kept the resolution from passing. Herr said he and Juarez decided to sponsor the item in response to public comment.
Tesla dealership and GOP Headquarters vandal arrested

2 months ago | rrobserver.com | Michaela Helean

ALBUQUERQUE — United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced charges against an Albuquerque man tied to both the Tesla Dealership vandalism in Santa Ana Pueblo and the GOP Headquarters arson in Albuquerque. Federal charges were filed against Jamison Wagner, 40, of Albuquerque, in connection with both arson attacks, the FBI announced Monday. Investigators linked Wagner to both incidents through surveillance footage and scene evidence.
Domestic Violence awareness brings fun to Haynes Park

2 months ago | rrobserver.com | Michaela Helean

RIO RANCHO — The annual Haven House Family Fun Day at Haynes Park was a popular stop for families April 12. While the event was centered around domestic violence awareness, the scene was generally enthusiastic and fun. Dr. Chris Morris, Haven House Board vice president, had some insight on why the day was so important for people of all ages. “This is an event organized by Haven House, which is our community’s domestic violence shelter and services agency.
Bases loaded with family, friends and baseball players for Owen Pagano Vigil

2 months ago | rrobserver.com | Michaela Helean

RIO RANCHO — The west diamond at Cibola Little League's baseball fields was full of people as dusk fell April 9. It wasn't for a rambunctious Little League game, though. It was a vigil for Owen Pagano, a 16-year-old and former baseball player who died in a Cochiti Lake boating accident. A crowd of baseball friends of all ages, high schoolers, friends and family surrounded the Pagano family, which huddled on the pitching mound in the center of the baseball diamond.
RRPD arrest records: Feb. 2-22

2 months ago | rrobserver.com | Michaela Helean

Christopher Urioste, 54, of Rio Rancho, was arrested for shoplifting at Walmart on Unser Boulevard. Michael Marin, 23, of Rio Rancho, was arrested for aggravated DWI/DUI (refused testing) and careless driving at Unser and Westside boulevards.
Gilman Tunnels, other Jemez sites near re-opening

2 months ago | rrobserver.com | Michaela Helean

JEMEZ — The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service announced April 1 that the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) Jemez Ranger District is in the process of reopening roads and recreation sites. “We understand that SFNF lands are important to local communities and visitors for recreation and enjoyment, and we are working to reopen areas as conditions allow,” said SFNF Jemez District Ranger Jeremy Golston in a release.
County confirms teen pulled from Cochiti Lake, pronounced dead

2 months ago | rrobserver.com | Michaela Helean

COCHITI LAKE — A teen was declared dead after being pulled from the waters of Cochiti Lake March 29. Sandoval County Sheriff's Office, a responding agent to the drowning, stated that deputies were sent to the lake around 7 a.m. to a possible drowning and attempted to save the teen's life. "Crews were attempting to conduct a rescue operation for a 16-year-old last seen in the water with a friend who was able to make it back to shore.