Ramon Patron is four years old and has a huge interest in firefighters. He loves fire trucks, has all the toys, and is obsessed with anything fire-related. He even got firefighter bunker gear for his birthday and has his own little fire uniform. His grandmother wanted to surprise him with a simple photo op with the LVFD as a birthday gift. She planned to take pictures and frame them for him, but none of us had any idea how special the day would actually become. The Blue Team, led by Lieutenant Roberto Ortiz, who is also the LVFD Recruitment Officer, invited him right into the station. They brought him into the conference room, introduced themselves, and explained what they do. When they asked if he wanted to see the equipment, he lit up. He was a little shy at first, but once he was sitting in the fire truck and pulling the horn, he was all in. He loved every second of it. “They made him feel like he was so special, like the whole day was just for him. It’s something he’ll always remember,” says his grandmother, Andrea Martinez. They even joked that you’ve got to start recruiting early. At one point they asked, “Do you want to spray the water?” and he said, “No, I don’t think so,” which made everyone laugh. They treated him with so much kindness, genuinely warm, patient, and welcoming. And the best part? Right as the visit was ending, the fire department suddenly received a call. They suited up, jumped into the trucks, and rushed out. Ramon got to watch them blast out of the station. It was like watching his heroes in real time. He made new friends that day, and to him, he’s part of their team now. Moments like that are priceless.

The City of Las Vegas Parks Division will be trimming trees at Carnegie Park from Monday, December 15 through Friday, December 19, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Sections of the park and nearby sidewalks will be temporarily closed for safety while this work is underway. Please follow all posted signage and instructions. This maintenance is necessary to help keep the park safe, clean, and enjoyable for all visitors. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we complete these important improvements.

Calling all thrift lovers and savvy shoppers! Carnegie Library and M.E.C.h.A. de NMHU invite you to our Winter Clothing Swap, the perfect way to refresh your wardrobe without stretching your holiday budget. Christmas can be costly, so why not save a little by swapping your gently used clothing for new-to-you closet favorites? Whether you want a style refresh, your kids have outgrown their clothes, or you simply want to donate items you no longer need, this event is for you. We will also have a free clothing table where no swap is required. You are welcome to take what you need or bring items you do not need. Items you may bring (not limited to): ·        Hats ·        Gloves ·        Shoes ·        Scarves ·        Coats Please bring clothing in good condition so everyone can look their best for the holidays. Any leftover items will be donated to the Samaritan House Shelter. If you have any questions, please contact Carnegie Library at 505-426-3304.

Public safety crews are responding to an active incident near South Pacific Street and Grand Avenue. Both northbound and southbound lanes of Grand Avenue are currently closed. Please avoid the area and use alternate routes until further notice.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a quorum of the Governing Body of the City of Las Vegas may be present for a City-wide appreciation and completion of training dinner on December 19, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., at Buffalo Hall, located at 528 Grand Avenue, Las Vegas, NM 87701. They will not be making any decisions and will not be taking any action on city business.

The Water Distribution Division will be renewing water services from Wednesday, December 10 through Tuesday, December 23 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the 300 block of Santa Fe Street . Traffic will be redirected, and drivers are asked to proceed with caution, follow all posted signs, and remain mindful of City crews working in the area. Residents in the surrounding area may experience low water pressure or a temporary water outage while the work is being completed. The City appreciates your patience and understanding during this necessary maintenance and apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. For more information or questions regarding this work, please contact the Utilities Department at (505) 454-3832.

The City of Las Vegas Animal Shelter is experiencing an urgent overcapacity issue. Over the past week, the facility has taken in more than 40 dogs, while only one has been reclaimed by its owner. That was done lower than usual staffing of animal control. The shelter anticipates even more incoming animals in the near future.' Operating with just 31 kennels and a four-person staff, the shelter is currently housing: 25+ dogs held for court cases 2–3 dogs cleared for adoption or foster Numerous new intakes with nowhere to go Increasing veterinary and spay/neuter expenses, combined with a drop in live release rates, are placing extreme pressure on staff and volunteers. Community support is urgently needed. Shelter officials encourage residents to foster, adopt, and/or share the message to help free up space and save lives. For more information, the public is asked to contact the City of Las Vegas Animal Shelter at 505-426-3289.

Do you love our Carnegie Public Library, books, believe in lifelong learning, and want to make a real impact in your community? Then it’s time to join the Friends of the Library .  This dedicated group of volunteers work tirelessly to promote literacy, supports the library’s vital role in our town, and advocates for the value it brings to everyday lives. The Friends back the important decisions of the Library Board, help secure essential financial support, and use their resources to provide equipment, materials, and services that keep the library strong. They also bring the community together by organizing events like the People’s Faire and the annual Summer Reading Program, along with creative fundraising projects that make a lasting difference. If you believe in strong communities and the power of public libraries, your passion and participation matter. You can fill out an application today by visiting the Carnegie Public Library at 500 National Avenue. If you have any further questions, please call 505-426-3304. Join the Friends of the Library today—and help shape the next chapter of our community’s story.

The City of Las Vegas Parks Department will be trimming trees at South Pacific Park and along South Pacific Street. To ensure the safety of the public and work crews, South Pacific Street will be closed from Valley Street to Perez Street from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 8th through Friday, December 12th. Bucket trucks and staff will be working along South Pacific Street throughout this period. Signage, cones, and barricades will be placed at both Valley Street and Perez Street to guide motorists. Detours will be in place along these roads for both northbound and southbound travel on South Pacific Street. All drivers are urged to use caution in the area and follow all posted detours and safety signs. Thank you for your cooperation as we work to maintain and improve our community spaces.

Due to inclement weather, the City of Las Vegas will operate on a two-hour delay this morning, with city offices opening at 10:00 AM. Residents are urged to drive carefully and exercise extra caution on the roads. We extend our sincere appreciation to all city crews, public safety personnel, and our partners at the New Mexico Department of Transportation, San Miguel County, and other responding agencies for their dedication. Thank you for your tireless efforts clearing snow and ice, responding to emergencies, and keeping our community safe.

Monday, Dec 22 Residential: Regular routes operate as usual. Place rollouts after 6:00 p.m. Sunday and by 7:00 a.m. Monday. Leave rollouts at the curb until picked up. Commercial: Routes run as scheduled. Transfer Station: Open Tuesday, Dec 23 Residential: Tuesday & Wednesday pickups will be collected on Tuesday. Place bins after 6:00 p.m. Monday and by 7:00 a.m. Tuesday. Leave bins at the curb until picked up. Commercial: Routes run as scheduled. Transfer Station: Open Wednesday, Dec 24 Residential: Thursday routes, Handicap route, and any extra pickups collected on Wednesday. Place rollouts after 6:00 p.m. Tuesday and by 7:00 a.m. Wednesday. Leave rollouts at the curb until picked up. Commercial: Routes run as scheduled. Transfer Station: Open Thursday, Dec 25 (Christmas Day) Residential & Commercial: No pickup. Transfer Station: Closed Friday, Dec 26 Residential: No pickup. Commercial: Routes run as scheduled. Transfer Station: Closed Saturday, Dec 27 Commercial: Routes run as scheduled. Transfer Station: Open 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The City of Las Vegas Senior Program will hold three public meetings on December 5, 2025, to gather input from seniors and community members within Provider Service Area (PSA) 2. These meetings are part of the Area Plan and Request for Proposal (RFP) process and are intended to collect feedback, concerns, and ideas related to senior services in the region. Meeting Schedule on December 5, 2025:                                                                                   Pecos Senior   Center  – 5 Camino Medico, Pecos, NM9:00 AM – 9:30 AM San Miguel (Ribera) Senior Center  – 279 NM-3, Ribera, NM10:30 AM – 11:00 AM Las Vegas Site  – 500 Sabino, Las Vegas, NM1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Each meeting will include a brief introduction of City of Las Vegas Senior Center staff, an overview of the current Non-Metro Budget related to the upcoming RFP, and a short question-and-answer session to discuss the most pressing needs within PSA 2. For additional information, please contact June Tafoya - Cordova at 505 - 425 - 9139 or jtafoya@lasvegasnm.gov . Individuals requiring special assistance to participate should contact her at least three days prior to the meeting to allow time for necessary accommodations.