The rains overshadowed the completion of one of the most ambitious projects in the city's history. Planning for the Star began in 2000, and the project was announced in 2004. Construction began in 2005, culminating with the grand opening on Oct. 21, 2006.
Wal-Mart's arrival in April gave residents a much-needed retail alternative to traveling to Albuquerque as well as a pay off in higher gross receipts taxes for the city.
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Meanwhile, the big news in public safety was once again a lack of news.
The Department of Public Safety topped 2005's mark of three homicides by recording only two for 2006, despite an ever-increasing population.
The natural disaster took center stage, however, starting with the flooding and continuing through a controversial special assessment district and a successful Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority bond issue.
January
The year 2006 started off where 2005 left off, in a topsy-turvy mayoral election. At the very beginning of the year, then-mayoral candidate Kevin Jackson announced a return to the race, a move that some said was the turning point in the election, even if his opponents, Mayor Jim Owen and councilor Mike Williams, showed no concern.
"My dad has always raised us to finish what we start, especially if we really believe in it," Jackson said upon his re-entry.
Meanwhile, some other hot topics were being discussed, including one of Rio Rancho's most controversial issues - eminent domain.
It was in January that then-Mayor Jim Owen introduced his resolution to ban the use of eminent domain for economic development on properties that were already developed.
January was also the first time residents received the promise of help from the U.S. Postal Service, coming first in the pledge of a single contract postal unit and then five. To date, however, only one such location has been created.
The Rio Rancho Public Schools board took the first step in building its new high school, purchasing the land from the State Land Commission for $2.52 million.
Other January news:
Babysitter/kidnapper Dolly Ramirez, who pled guilty the previous October to abducting her five-month-old charge, received a suspended sentence from District Judge Louis McDonald because of the "strides" she made following her release from prison. She faced 41/2 years in jail.
Rio Rancho signed a contract with Rio Grande Studios to run its public access channel, RioVision. Previously, city employees had manned the station.
Rio Rancho annexed the land that will become the City Centre, not only bringing that area officially within the jurisdiction of Rio Rancho but also the future gross receipts taxes generated there.
February
Although Feb. 23 marked Rio Rancho's 25th birthday, there was little fanfare. Instead of hosting a celebration in conjunction with that historic day, the city chose to wrap the birthday party into the arena grand opening still nine months away.
The year's second month began with presidential flair when George W. Bush visited Intel to push for new innovations in math and science education.
On the local political front, as the candidates jockeyed for votes through appearances at forums, voters approved a $39 million school bond that, complemented by a $48.6 million pledge from Gov. Bill Richardson, would fund the city's new high school as well as an additional middle and elementary school.
The paltry turnout - only about 4,200 voters - was emphasized by the lackluster attendance at election forums. Only four people showed for one council forum. Following the school bond election, in fact, some residents called The Observer to ask who had won the mayoral election, which would not be until March.
Apparently, the public's attention was on eminent domain. Based on resident and landowner input, the council voted against a proposed blighting study of Unit 10, located near Southern and Unser boulevards, and put eminent domain in general on hold until educational programs could be completed.
The other issue that captivated residents was ducks, mostly dead ones. When dead ducks started surfacing on the ponds at Chamisa Hills Country Club (CHCC), residents were outraged. In February, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service fined CHCC, as one of its employees had poured strychnine into the ponds. The country club maintained it was an accident; the employee was supposed to be using an anti-algae agent.
Other February news:
The city council chose Mountain States Construction of Albuquerque to build Main Street and the corresponding drainage system.
March
The big news in March was the election and Kevin Jackson's upset of Mayor Jim Owen. Jackson topped Owen by 290 votes, with councilor Mike Williams earning less than half the votes of either of his opponents. In the council race, only Patty Thomas retained her seat, beating challengers Bob Gaps and Bill White. Delma Petrullo beat incumbent Robert Radosevich, while Larry Naranjo topped incumbent Arturo Boniello.
Judge James Walker won his first election after being appointed to the municipal bench. He beat opponent Herman Fierro in a landslide.
Voters approved some city charter changes, including a provision for run-off elections, and denied others, but Rio Rancho swimmers won big as voters passed a $7 million pool bond issue that came with a $3 million donation from Pulte Homes.
March saw the first delay in the City Centre process. City Manager Jim Palenick announced he was reconsidering the frontrunner, then the California-based Macerich Co., for the downtown development project. That move would open the door for the Las Vegas developer LWP Inc. The contract negotiations with LWP would become one of the factors in Palenick's eventual termination.
Other March news:
The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department arrested Rio Rancho resident Nestor Antonio Vargas, 37, during its search for Michael Astorga, the man accused of shooting and killing one of that department's officers, Deputy James McGrane Jr., during a March 22 traffic stop.
High winds deterred visitors to the third annual Pork & Brew, but the event still drew a large crowd.
April
In April, Rio Rancho finally entered the Wal-Mart age when the world's largest retailer opened shop at Southern and Unser boulevards. City officials looked forward to increased spending in Rio Rancho, and therefore increased gross receipts taxes. That revenue will be included in the upcoming mid-year budget.
Another April grand opening also sparked a lot of praise. The United States Postal Service opened a contract postal unit at Rio Rancho Printing. Despite steady use of the new mail service, customers still complained about long lines and wait times at the original post office.
Postal officials said four more contract units were coming, but so far, there have been no further developments.
Although there was celebration over Wal-Mart and Rio Rancho Printing, there was debate at the school board meetings. The controversial Science Policy 401 came before the board for reconsideration. Critics said the policy opened the door for intelligent design.
The original language called for discussion of discrepancies between science and religion, but the amended policy required only that students understand some people may disagree. Students can still discuss matters of religion in class.
It was a sad Easter morning for the family of Sara Feeney, 22, who was found dead in her Entrada Point apartment. Police are still calling the case the first of two homicides on the year, but have yet to file any charges, owing to a backlog at the Office of the Medical Investigator.
Meanwhile, District Attorney Lemuel Martinez announced the 2005 murder of Mathew Durand, 27, was self-defense, lowering that year's number of murders to two.
Other April news:
Presbyterian Healthcare announced it would build a hospital on Unser Boulevard, near the future site of Westside Boulevard.
Seats & Eats & More, a charitable event supporting local schools, collected nearly $150,000, a record.
The state's new "Meth Watch" program, aimed at discouraging the use or creation of methamphetamine, kicked off in Rio Rancho.
Burger King employees were arrested after police learned that giving customers "your way, right away" included selling cocaine out of the fast food restaurant.
Department of Public Safety Deputy Chief Steve Shaw retired after 20 years on the force. He is now serving as the director of public safety for Jemez Pueblo and is contemplating a council run in District 4. Capt. Scott Kellogg was promoted to replace him at DPS.
RRPS fine arts director Kristin Rauch, 53, died of apparent brain hemorrhage.
May
After months of speculation, Lionsgate Films announced that it would be the studio building in the City Centre. At the time of that announcement, during Rio Rancho Economic Development Corp.'s annual meeting, there was still work to be done between the filmmaker and the state.
As promised, Wal-Mart's presence was already attracting additional businesses. Chili's was the first to open, and a nearby Starbucks should be opening soon.
Although a Sandoval County Commission decision will likely bring additional revenue to the Town of Bernalillo, its decision was made for Vietnam veterans. The commission approved funding and a location for a memorial honoring all of the county's Vietnam vets.
Many Rio Rancho residents came out for the arena's "topping off" ceremony, commemorating the final steel beam installed in the facility.
Other May news:
Rio Rancho's charrette on the North Central Area Plan was called a success, not only for the number of participants but also for the quality of their input. The details of that plan are still being finalized.
David Bologh, 41, was sentenced to 21 years in prison, more than seven years after the murder and rape of Rio Rancho resident and flight attendant Stephane Murphy.
A fire at the Jackalope, a Bernalillo landmark, did not stop business as the shop rebuilt.
The city ended its contract, with Rio Grande Studios for operation of RioVision, the city's public access channel.
June
Because of a lack of choices, especially for Republican voters, June's primary election again featured poor voter turnout.
Local candidates did not earn enough votes in the statewide races, as District Attorney Lemuel Martinez and Tom Buckner, both Democrats, lost their bids for attorney general and state auditor, respectively.
The city, meanwhile, was abuzz with activity as the council selected Dekker/Perich/Sabatini to build its new aquatic center, approved 52 acres for Lionsgate to build, and broke ground for the new City Hall. On top of that, the governing body met in a work session with the Utilities Commission to discuss the city's water issues. Although the councilors and department heads spoke in favor of further work sessions, none has yet been scheduled.
Once again, the public was distracted by ducks that were turning belly-up at Chamisa Hills Country Club. Although the club was previously cited for poising the ducks, this time the cause of death was botulism.
Other June news:
The much criticized and recognized Mid-High Principal Scott Affentranger was selected to head the new high school when it opens.
A plea for three members to create a Blue Star Mothers chapter in Rio Rancho resulted in 25 members and growing for the organization.
Intel's online gaming event garnered $1,500 for the United Way and gave gamers an excuse to stay out all weekend playing with their computers.
Coming Sunday: News from July through December.
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