Chama Valley & Abiquiú Daily Digest Monday, June 15, 2026
Ty's Take
An Abiquiú man walks out of a courtroom acquitted, a shoplifter runs from the law down roads most of us know by heart, and somewhere in those northern briefs is the small machinery of how things actually work up here—who got hired, who's leaving, what's broken and what got fixed. This is the part of the news cycle that doesn't make the evening feed anywhere else, but it's the whole story for people living between Chama and Ghost Ranch. The schools are hiring, which means someone's leaving or retiring, which ripples through families and rosters. The courts move slow in Rio Arriba County, but they move, and acquittals matter just as much as convictions do to the person walking back out into daylight. Meanwhile, somebody's running, somebody's cooking ribs with hatch chile, and the valley keeps turning.
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Rio Grande SUN
CULINARY CONFIDENTIALOrange and Hatch Chile Glazed Baby Back Ribs
A local recipe features baby back ribs glazed with a savory-sweet combination of orange, soy sauce, garlic, and Hatch green chile that creates an irresistible dish. The preparation is designed to command diners' full attention and appreciation for quality food.
A Rio Arriba County jury cleared an Abiquiú man of aggravated assault charges following a three-day trial that concluded May 28. Juanito Jaramillo, 44, had been accused of beating and kidnapping his girlfriend.
The Española Public Library is hosting a free outdoor movie night Friday, June 12, featuring "Jurassic Park" at the Convento from 6-8 p.m. Community members can also join retro gaming activities at the library this week.
Shoplifter Leads Police on Chase
An Arroyo Seco man led sheriff's deputies on a high-speed chase after allegedly shoplifting over $500 in merchandise from a local Walmart on May 15. Anthony Herrera, 41, was arrested after the unlicensed vehicle crashed while traveling 60 mph through Española.
School Districts Have Vacancies to Fill
All five public school districts in Rio Arriba County are actively recruiting staff for the 2026-2027 school year as Northern New Mexico schools face widespread staffing shortages and leadership transitions. Multiple positions remain open across the region's educational system.
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