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October
Rio Rancho's Pro Hockey team name was announced to be the Goatheads with the team's new logo.
Elementary school students in the Rio Rancho district were visited by hot air balloonists at the start of the month.
Apple, the miniature pig, was announced the new pet mayor of Corrales.
Rio Rancho Rams girls soccer team won against Cleveland Storm in an "instant classic."
The brother of Michael LaMotte, a teen killed in a University of New Mexico dorm shooting, was charged for not helping his brother and instead moving guns and drugs from the scene.
Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull officially announced his candidacy for governor.
Cleveland Storm and Rio Rancho Rams high school marching bands met each other in rivalry for a battle of music.
Local events supply store Envision Creations opened a location, as opposed to being nomadic, in Rio Rancho.
Project Ranger was covered in detail at a community meeting with the project's leading company Castelion Corporation.
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Corrales' mayoral candidates debated the future of the village before Election Day.
United States Rep. Melanie Stansbury held another town hall to discuss the government shutdown.
A local teen made archery headlines while taking aim at the United States team.
November
The rivalry game between Storm and Rams ended the regular football season.
Project Ranger remained a hot topic at Sandoval County Commission with several residents confronting commissioners in public comment.
On the anniversary of Adrian Maestas' death, no updates, arrests or announcements were made. Maestas' family continues to mourn his loss. On the anniversary of his death, which also happened to be Dia De Los Muertos, his family and friends remembered him. The event was interrupted by police, however.
Rio Rancho prepared for major changes to SNAP benefits.
Sandoval Regional Medical Center announced its new chief as Meaghan Carey Eiland. She detailed her goals for the hospital later in the month.
Cleveland High School football took the district title over Rio Rancho High with its 12th straight win in the school's lifetime.
Rio Rancho Observer Readers Choice highlighted many businesses in the city.
The regular local election saw an increase in voter turnout, and Rio Rancho elected new school board members.
Local food pantries struggled to keep up with intake numbers as donations became scarce.
Cleveland and Rio Rancho marching bands took top spots in the state marching band competition.
WWE Monday Night Raw paid a visit to Rio Rancho Events Center.
Cleveland volleyball won its 11th straight game.
The Rio Rancho Observer claimed 12 awards at the New Mexico Press Association Better Newspaper Awards.
The dispute between Rio Rancho and Sandoval County over 911 dispatch got its first coverage.
Despite complaints that they weren't notified early enough of Project Ranger, the Rio Rancho Governing Body approved resolutions for the project.
R4 Creating opened its permanent location in Hilltop Plaza on NM 528.
Cheba Hut, a marijuana-themed sandwich shop, opened in Bernalillo.
Cleveland cross-country runners took state ahead of the Rio Rancho Rams.
Rio Rancho schools organized food drives in response to a SNAP benefits crisis.
Castelion Corporation selected Sandoval County for its Project Ranger.
Corrales approved a loan for water rights.
A water main break disrupted homes and closed some schools.
High school mascots from Rio Rancho and Cleveland high schools were highlighted.
Gregg Hull announced he would not seek re-election while councilor Paul Wymer put his hat in the ring for the seat. Bob Tyler announced his re-election campaign for council.
A local band alumna took part in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Newly elected Corrales Mayor Fred Hashimoto talked about his goals for the village.
Rio Rancho Police Department held its annual food drive for local pantries.
High schoolers from Rio Rancho held their annual Big Event cleanup day.
A Rio Ranchoan took home the Pickleball World Title.
December
The Sandoval County/Rio Rancho dispatch dispute series continued.
Corrales' Salce Park project was pushed forward with a grant from the state.
Local high schools collected toys for needy children in partnership with Rio Rancho Police Department.
Cleveland football took back-to-back state titles.
Dr. Robert Dodd was announced as Rio Rancho's new superintendent.
A series of meetings with Castelion Corporation on Project Ranger allowed residents to talk directly with the company about their concerns.
Sandoval County Battalion Chief Matt Miller retired after 27 years.
A child care center opened in Santo Domingo Pueblo to meet need.
The Rio Rancho High School Swim and Dive team took the Bob Reid Invite Title.
Gregg Hull gave his final state of the city as Rio Rancho mayor.
Santa Claus visited Sandoval Regional Medical Center.
The MAC and Brewlab partnered for a concession stand.
Rio Rancho Hardware went independent as a business with an updated name and store.
BMX racing got highlighted as the city's unofficial official sport.
The Goatheads, the new pro hockey team in Rio Rancho, opened a retail store.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation proposed a stopgap solution for a deadly section of NM 528.
Santa Ana Pueblo broke ground for a new intersection.
Bernalillo welcomed its first Baby Box at the fire department's headquarters.
People Helping People, a local nonprofit, pleaded for help from the community.
Rick's Prehistoric Mini Golf closed permanently.
