Do You Know Your Civics?
The Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the launch of the 2024 National Civics Bee®, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Middle school students from public, private, charter, and home schools are invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition. After a distinguished panel reviews the 500-word essays, the top 20 students will be selected to move on to the next round of competition: a live quiz event to test their civics knowledge. The finalists and top winners will receive various prizes, including $500 cash for the first-place student. The essay submission portal is OPEN. The deadline for student essay submissions is January 8th, 2024. For more information on the essay topic, competition rules and prizes, and to submit your essay, visit: www.rrrcc.org/civicsbee/
Sandoval County Hires a Director of Planning and Zoning
Daniel J. Beaman has been hired by Sandoval County as Director of Planning and Zoning. All zoning code enforcement, land use, subdivision platting, and development review activities in the unincorporated areas of the County are handled by Planning and Zoning. Most recently, Beaman worked at Bernalillo County for more than 21 years. His last position was as a Special Projects Coordinator for Economic Development. There his focus was zoning and entitlement, land development, special permitting, and other land-use issues. Before that, he held positions of increasing responsibility in that county’s Planning and Zoning department.
No Adoption Fees for December
Sandoval County Animal Services is waiving all adoption fees for the entire month of December. Help Animal Services find all their dogs a home so they don’t have to spend the holidays in the shelter. If you are interested in possibly meeting your forever friend you can book an appointment by calling (505)867-7642 or email sandovalpets@sandovalcountynm.gov.
Free Gun Locks for Gun Owners
The New Mexico Department of Health is trying to get the word out about free gun locks available to families, as part of a state campaign aimed at enhancing firearm safety in New Mexico, particularly for children. DOH has joined forces with the nonprofit New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence and has launched a website where families can fill out a form and receive a free gunlock.