2025 year in review Part 3: July to September

July

A body was discovered on Northern Boulevard. Police did not suspect foul play. Later in the month, the body was identified as Francisco Vieyra-Diaz.

The city of Rio Rancho responded to a lawsuit against them regarding their alleged ordinance violations.

Sandoval County's dispatch center became operational. A ribbon cutting was held later in the month.

Rio Rancho hosted a massive car show, Motorfest, which also highlighted a lung transplant survivor.

Cleveland High School alumni Tre Watson, who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, paid a visit to a football youth camp at his former school.

Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull urged people to donate to disaster relief efforts for flooding in southern New Mexico.

Defined Pickleball opened in Rio Rancho's Hilltop Plaza.

The name and logo of Rio Rancho's hockey club were teased to be released in the fall.

Rio Rancho had some of its largest monsoons of the year.

Two people were charged in a Rainbow Pool shooting.

Family eyeglass business The Spectacle opened next to M'Tuccis Rio Rancho.

A frozen custard shop opened in The Block in Enchanted Hills.

CNM officials have a tour of their Rio Rancho campus, which was announced to be receiving changes.

Walmart announced the addition of a gas station to its Unser Boulevard location.

Anthony Del Angel, a Cleveland baseball player, was named All-State player of the year.

Intel announced 227 job cuts in Rio Rancho.

Rio Rancho Schools Employee Union president Billie Helean appeared with Bernie Sanders in a Washington, D.C., education event.

Cleveland High School's Roman Luttrell won a national wrestling championship.

August

Rio Rancho teen Michael LaMotte was shot and killed in a University of New Mexico shooting. His family and friends held a vigil to grieve his death.

Two homicides were under investigation in Rio Rancho and Bernalillo. 

Rio Rancho WESST closed permanently due to federal funding cuts, but WESST New Mexico continues service.

UFC fighter Justin Gaethje visited Rio Rancho High School.

Legacy Church broke ground for an expansion at Premiere Cinemas.

Students in Rio Rancho and Bernalillo started school.

The city and Kiwanis Club held the 20th Sunday is Funday.

Bernalillo High School Spartans got a new quarterback in Anthony Willie.

Rio Rancho's Joe's Pasta House opened an Albuquerque location.

Rio Rancho woman Dr. Siloise Binikiseh opened an event space just at the top of the hill in Albuquerque.

A Park Above received an award from a statewide disabilities group for community leadership and advocacy.

U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury held a town hall.

Dan Allison joined the Observer team as sports writer.

Cleveland and Rio Rancho High School football teams talked about their goals for the season.

Sandoval County was announced as a possible location for Project Ranger, a rocket facility.

Matthew Chavez, a man who drove around Albuquerque and Rio Rancho with Jordan Gallegos' body and met with police at Premiere Cinemas, was found guilty of second-degree murder at the end of a trial. Gallegos' family held a memorial after the verdict.

Rams and Storm players popped up in EA Sports video game "College Football 26."

Fire Chief James DeFillippo retired and celebrated with Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue crew members.

Schools installed metal detectors for security and safety measures in Rio Rancho.

Habitat for Humanity opened its ReStore donation center.

A bear was captured near Stapleton Elementary school in Rio Rancho.

The Gladiators team that used to call Rio Rancho home moved back to Albuquerque and changed its name.

The Old Church in Corrales received a massive restoration.

September

RioTECH students started Career Technical Education in the Rio Rancho School District and gave a tour of the building.

Long time Dairy Queen owner Tony Otero retired and sold the Southern Boulevard location.

One of the suspects in the death of disabled woman Mary Melero pleaded down to three of the 11 charges against her. Sentencing is pending while the other woman waits for trial.

A Sandoval County Sheriff's Office detective was sentenced to six years in prison for child pornography charges.

Cleveland and Rio Rancho High School football teams geared up for homecoming games.

Plans Chamisa Hills Master Plan at the old golf course were approved by the Rio Rancho Governing Body.

The county unveiled a gun lock and Narcan vending machine.

County Commissioner Mike Meek announced he would run for Rio Rancho mayor.

Cleveland High School's volleyball team advanced to semi-finals in the APS Metro tournament.

Dr. Sue Cleveland announced her retirement as Rio Rancho Public Schools' superintendent. The search for the next superintendent began shortly after.

Rio Rancho kids participated in the Roadrunner Quarter Midget Association's final cart race of the season.

A Rio Rancho balloon crew got ready for Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Corrales met the candidates for pet mayor.

The Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce held its annual Oktoberfest.

Corrales and Rio Grande officials came to an agreement with Sandia Pueblo for a new siphon.

Land leases for Project Ranger were approved.