Chama Valley & Abiquiú Daily Digest Friday, September 18, 2026
Ty's Take
The valley's been quiet enough this week that you notice the smaller things, which is maybe when you should pay attention most. A three-year remembrance for someone lost, firefighters taking time to honor those lost twenty-five years back on a September morning, a cross-country team finding their footing. These are the marks that hold a community together when there's no big headline pulling everyone the same direction. The hard stuff's still there, sure, the criminal cases and the budget fights that don't get solved by remembering. But in a place like this, where people have roots going back generations and know their neighbors by more than a name, it's the quiet work of showing up and marking time that keeps things from coming apart at the seams. Next week will bring its own news. For now, this is the real work.
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Weather Alerts
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued September 18 at 3:08AM MDT until September 19 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of west central and northwest New Mexico as well as the South Central Mountains and Eastern Lincoln County. This includes the Ruidoso area burn scars. * WHEN...From noon MDT today through this evening...
Rio Grande SUN
The Española Public Library is offering watercolor classes for adults on Thursday, September 17, with all supplies provided by the library. Those interested in learning basic watercolor painting techniques can sign up at the library.
Budget Continues to be a Concern for City
Española City Council members remain focused on budget concerns following the city's entry into the fiscal year with a deficit exceeding $1 million. Council is scrutinizing co-sponsorship requests more carefully and requesting additional information from department leaders before approving spending...
Firefighters from the Española Fire Department and nine other Rio Arriba County departments climbed 78 flights of stairs on Friday to honor the 343 New York Fire Department firefighters and staff who died on September 11, 2001. The stair climb, now in its fifth year, honors the memory of those who...
Martinez’s Stabbing Case Bound Over
A Vallecitos man, Aron Martinez Jr., age 71, has been bound over on an aggravated battery charge following an alleged stabbing at a Mesa Vista High School graduation party. Rio Arriba Magistrate Judge Alexandra Naranjo ordered the case proceed on a charge of aggravated battery causing great bodily...
Three Year Anniversary for Linda Trujillo
Family and friends are remembering Linda Trujillo on the third anniversary of her passing on September 20, 2023. Those who knew her reflect on the warmth and kindness she shared throughout her life.
Rough Outing for 2 Teams Last Week
Local high school football had limited action last week with only three teams playing. Pojoaque Valley faced a difficult road matchup against larger Belen, falling 47 to 6 in the contest.
Man in Suspected Overdose Identified
Johan Zuñiga, 22, of Hatch, died from a suspected overdose in the Santa Claran Casino Hotel parking lot Thursday morning, while another person was transported to Española Hospital. Española Police identified Zuñiga as the victim but did not release the identity of the second person found in the...
Breaking the Welfare ‘Snare Net’
An opinion piece urges voters to consider the gubernatorial candidates' plans to improve New Mexico's standing, noting the state consistently ranks last in education and other key measures. The writer calls for the next governor to chart a new direction and break cycles of dependency.
The Dulce Hawks cross country team is showing strong promise this season under coach Lewis Martinez, aided by Class 1A's separation from 2A and the use of smaller team sizes. The Hawks are off to an encouraging start on the course this season.
A local resident expresses support for Gregg Hull's gubernatorial campaign, praising his 12 years of community engagement and citizen-focused leadership as Rio Rancho's mayor. The writer notes that Hull demonstrates a commitment to ensuring all residents have a voice in government.
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