The City of Las Vegas Water Distribution team is currently working on a water main break affecting the 1200 and 1300 blocks of Pecos Street. Work began at 4:00 p.m., and the time of completion is currently undetermined.We will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available. We appreciate your patience and apologize for the inconvenience. For questions, please contact the Utilities Department at 505-454-3832.

The Las Vegas Police Department is currently investigating a missing person case involving 32-year-old Shyler Bailey. Shyler was last seen on Monday, October 27, 2025, near Maverik on North Grand Avenue.  She is known to frequent the Monte Vista Apartments located at 500 Mountain View Drive. She is described as being 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing approximately 145 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Shyler also has a tattoo above her right eyebrow.  Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Las Vegas Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Agent Diego Romero, at (505) 425-7504 ext. 3112.

Las Vegas, N.M. — Thanks to growing community advocacy and support, plans are finally taking shape for a new and much-needed animal care center in the City of Las Vegas. City officials, including Animal Care Center Manager Bea Gallegos, Police Chief Caleb Marquez, and shelter staff, recently met with Shelter Planners of America to discuss the vision and design needs for the upcoming facility, which promises to transform animal care and adoption services in the community. The current shelter, built in the 1970s, has long struggled with space constraints, aging infrastructure, and limited resources. With $780,000 in capital outlay funding secured during the 2024 legislative session, city leaders are optimistic that the long-overdue overhaul is finally within reach. “This has been one of my top priorities since taking office,” said Mayor David Romero, who began his term at the end of 2023. “Our animals and staff deserve a facility that reflects the care and compassion of our community. This project is about more than infrastructure; it is about hope and second chances. We want a place where animals can heal and thrive, where families feel encouraged to adopt, and where our staff and volunteers have the resources to provide the best care possible. It shows how deeply Las Vegas values its animals and the people who care for them.” Current Facility Faces Growing Challenges The existing Las Vegas Animal Care Center, located on the city’s west side, was built in the 1970s and has seen only minimal updates since then. Designed for a much smaller population and intake rate, the building struggles to keep up with modern standards of animal welfare, safety, and public accessibility. The facility’s limited space means animals are often housed close together, creating stress and increasing the risk of illness. The cramped lobby area makes adoptions and intakes difficult, and there is little separation between the public, administrative, and animal care areas. Staff currently works in tight quarters with limited storage for food, bedding, and medical supplies, which adds to daily operational challenges. Ventilation and temperature control are ongoing concerns. During the summer months, the building can become uncomfortably warm, while older systems make maintaining consistent air quality difficult. The lack of proper isolation areas for sick or injured animals makes it hard to prevent the spread of disease, particularly during times of high intake. Gallegos said the building’s design simply doesn’t reflect the city’s current capacity needs or the growing expectations for humane, community-oriented animal care. “The shelter was built for a different time and a different purpose,” she said. “We’ve adapted as best we can, but it’s clear that our staff, volunteers, and animals need something better. We’re at a point where repairs aren’t enough. We need a new beginning.” Expert Guidance from Shelter Planners of America To help develop that new beginning, the city has partnered with Shelter Planners of America, a nationally recognized firm that specializes in designing and consulting on modern animal care and control facilities. The company has more than 40 years of experience working with municipalities across the United States to create efficient, humane, and sustainable shelters that meet both community and animal welfare needs. Their expertise includes planning layouts that improve disease control, streamline operations, and enhance visitor experience. The firm’s involvement ensures that the City of Las Vegas will benefit from proven best practices and design strategies tailored to its unique size, climate, and community goals. A Vision for a Modern, Welcoming Space Early plans for the approximately 10,000-square-foot facility include a modern lobby with two reception areas designed to be welcoming and spacious. The vision also includes a dedicated cat room with climbing structures, as well as an intake area adjacent to the lobby with holding kennels and exam tables for newly received animals. Behind the lobby, a larger staff office area would provide expanded workspace for a growing team. The facility would also feature ample storage for food, bedding, and supplies, as well as a volunteer room, staff lockers, and showers to support those who care for the animals every day. Expanding Care and Capacity The shelter’s new design would double its current capacity, providing separate housing areas for strays, maternity cases, isolation for sick animals, and specific sections for puppies, kittens, and adoption kennels. Plans also call for a behavioral and flight-risk area to ensure animals receive appropriate care while preparing for adoption. Natural light and ventilation are key priorities. The housing area will feature indoor walkways and garage-style doors that open to outdoor runs, making cleaning easier and improving the animals’ quality of life. Outside, the facility would include play yards and walking trails for exercise and enrichment. Community and Education at the Heart One of the most exciting features of the new shelter is a multipurpose room designed to serve a wide range of community needs. The space will host workshops on animal care, volunteer training sessions, and special events such as “Shelter Movie Night” or adoption drives. During periods of high intake, the room can also provide temporary kennel space, ensuring no animal is left without proper care. Education remains a central mission for the city. A $200,000 junior bill previously awarded to Las Vegas has supported spay and neuter clinics as well as animal education programs in local schools. These programs aim to teach responsible pet ownership, the importance of humane treatment, and how to prevent neglect and cruelty. City officials hope that by educating the next generation, they can help foster a culture of compassion and lifelong respect for animals. The new shelter will also honor the animals that have touched the hearts of staff and the community. Each area of the facility will be named in dedication to animals lost to neglect, illness, or other hardships, ensuring their memory lives on. This initiative creates a lasting connection between the community and the animals it cares for, reinforcing the shelter’s role not just as a facility, but as a hub for compassion, learning, and community engagement. Additionally, the shelter plans to incorporate interactive spaces where visitors, especially children, can engage with animals in safe, educational ways. These areas will encourage hands-on learning about animal behavior, health, and adoption, further strengthening the bond between the community and its furry residents. Challenges and Dedication Despite the positive momentum, challenges remain. Since May, the shelter has been caring for dozens of dogs held under court order, tying up valuable space and costing roughly $32,000 to date in care expenses.   The extended court holds not only create financial pressure but also affect daily operations. Limited space means staff must carefully manage intake from animal control and community surrenders, sometimes delaying new admissions. The emotional toll on staff and volunteers is also significant, as they provide care for animals in limbo without knowing when they will be able to move on to permanent homes. These challenges highlight the need for a modern, expanded facility. A new shelter will allow the city to handle such situations more efficiently, prevent overcrowding, and offer each animal the attention it deserves. The project is focused on creating a safe, supportive environment for animals and the people who care for them. The city continues to work with legal authorities, community partners, and animal welfare organizations to ensure that animals under court orders receive appropriate care while advocating for policies and processes that reduce lengthy delays. Next Steps The project will advance in phases as additional funding, lobbying efforts, and grant support become available. Two preliminary design concepts are currently under development, and local animal advocates will be invited to provide input before the final plans are completed with the project architect. City leaders anticipate that a comprehensive plan will be finalized in 2026, setting the stage for phased construction and implementation that address both immediate needs and long-term goals. The Mayor and the governing body have directed City Manager Robert A. Anaya and staff to coordinate and communicate with community organizations, volunteers, and donors throughout the process. This collaboration will help ensure the new facility meets the needs of both animals and residents. Public input sessions and informational workshops will provide opportunities for community members to share ideas, stay informed about progress, and remain actively engaged as the project moves forward.

At approximately 3:50 a.m. on Thursday, October 30, the Las Vegas Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at the Enchanted Hills Trailer Park on 7th Street. The fire involved a single manufactured home, and crews arrived on the scene within minutes. Firefighters worked quickly to contain and extinguish the flames, preventing the fire from spreading to nearby homes and structures. There were no injuries reported among residents or fire personnel, and everyone on the property was safely evacuated. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the New Mexico State Fire Marshal's Office. We extend our gratitude to the residents of Enchanted Hills Trailer Park for their cooperation and swift evacuation, and to all local agencies assisting on the scene, including the Las Vegas Police Department, AMR, and city utility crews. Our department remains committed to protecting the safety of the community. The Las Vegas Fire Department reminds all residents of the importance of fire safety, including maintaining working smoke detectors, creating and practicing evacuation plans, and keeping flammable materials away from heat sources. Firefighters encourage community members to take proactive steps to prevent fires and ensure the safety of their families and neighbors.

LAS VEGAS, N.M.  — The City of Las Vegas continues to make significant progress toward improving and securing the community’s water system. Working under an Intergovernmental Agreement with the New Mexico Environment Department and Plexos, the state’s contractor, the City is advancing plans for a new water treatment plant while maintaining and upgrading the current facility. As part of this effort, the City recently replaced two of the four filter beds at the existing water treatment plant. These new filters are expected to be fully operational next week once they are programmed into the system. The City plans to replace the remaining two filter beds before the end of the year. Filter beds are a vital part of the water treatment process. Each bed consists of layers of sand, gravel, and other materials that remove dirt, sediment, and impurities as water passes through, ensuring that it meets all state and federal drinking water standards. The City’s water continues to meet every regulatory requirement and remains safe to drink. In addition to these improvements, the Mayor and City Council have approved plans to expand the City’s water storage capacity by six million gallons. This expansion will help ensure a reliable and resilient water supply for residents. The City has also submitted applications to the New Mexico Water Trust Board for funding to support additional infrastructure projects and expects to receive updates soon. Mayor David Romero expressed his gratitude to the community for their continued support and resilience through recent challenges. “Our community has been through so much,” Romero said. “Every challenge and crisis, we have faced together, and we have persevered. Las Vegas is thriving and headed toward great things. We are resilient and will come out stronger than ever. Delivering on water quality, quantity, reliability, and a strong water future has been the commitment of myself and the entire governing body. We have made tremendous progress toward those goals, and there is so much more to come.” The City also extends a huge thanks not only to its partners but to City Manager Robert A. Anaya, Water Director Travis Martinez, all of the water department staff, city staff, and everyone who has been part of this process — through the challenges, the successes, and even the tough moments. Their dedication and hard work have been essential in keeping the City’s water system safe, reliable, and improving for the future. City officials acknowledge that large infrastructure projects take time, but meaningful progress is happening every day. The City remains focused on ensuring the long-term safety, reliability, and efficiency of its water system. Residents are encouraged to look for additional updates in upcoming utility bills and on the City’s official communication channels as work continues.

In recognition of National First Responders Day, we pause to honor the heroes who show up when we need them most. These are the men and women who run toward danger, who bring calm in moments of chaos, and who carry the weight of our community’s hardest days with courage and grace. To the Las Vegas City Police Department and Dispatch, Las Vegas Fire Department, San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office, San Miguel County Fire Department, New Mexico State Police, New Mexico Highlands University Campus Police, American Medical Response, and all other first responders, we thank you. You truly are the heartbeat of our community. You see what many never do. You hear the fear in the voices of those calling for help, and you respond without hesitation. You walk into burning buildings, rush to accident scenes, provide lifesaving care, and protect our families, often putting your own safety aside to make sure someone else gets to go home. We know the job does not end when your shift is over. The memories and emotions of what you experience stay with you. You carry those burdens quietly, with strength and compassion. You miss holidays, birthdays, and special family moments, all in service to others. Those sacrifices mean more than words can express, and this community truly sees and appreciates you. Las Vegas is stronger, safer, and prouder because of you. You are the steady hands that guide us through crisis, the reassuring voices that bring calm, and the courage that reminds us what it means to serve something greater than ourselves. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your service, your bravery, and your compassion. On behalf of our residents and the entire City of Las Vegas, we thank you for all that you do. - Mayor David Romero, Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem Marvin Martinez, Councilwoman Barbara Perea-Casey, Councilman Michael Montoya, and Councilman David Ulibarri

The City of Las Vegas Parks Division is currently removing old playground equipment at Hannah Park on Legion Drive, with the exception of the swings, in preparation for a new play station scheduled to be installed in November. The total project cost is $155,010.47, which includes $87,661.59 for playground equipment and materials and $67,348.88 for installation and labor. Each councilor is allocated $250,000 per fiscal year for small projects within their ward, and Councilor Michael Montoya chose to allocate funding to cover the full cost of the playground upgrade. When Jeff Rudolph became Park Manager last year, he conducted a city-wide parks assessment and found that Hannah Park had some of the most outdated equipment in the system. The equipment could no longer be repaired or upgraded and had reached the end of its useful life. After presenting the parks audit to the City Council, Councilor Michael Montoya of Ward 2 offered to assist with the project. Rudolph expressed excitement about the improvement, saying, “All of our parks need funding, but it’s wonderful to start with Hannah Park. We are extremely grateful to Councilor Montoya for his support, which will help give the community a safe, modern playground that families can enjoy for years to come.” In addition to the playground improvements, safety upgrades have also been made in the area. A new stop sign has been installed at the corner of Calle Alegre and Legion Drive to improve traffic safety. A lighted speed sign and a mobile speed sign on Legion Drive have also been added to warn drivers to slow down, helping protect children and families visiting the park. Mayor David Romero, Councilor Pro-Tem Marvin Martinez, Councilwoman Barbara Perea-Casey, Councilman Michael Montoya, and Councilman David Ulibarri remain committed to upgrading and maintaining parks while also seeking additional funding for improvements to public spaces. They are also working on increased measures for speeding violators and implementing advanced technology to improve enforcement for speeding tickets throughout the city, including vehicles with excessive noise and other traffic violations. These improvements aim to create safer, family-friendly outdoor venues where children and adults alike can enjoy recreational activities.

The City of Las Vegas Streets Division will be performing road work on University Avenue between 7th and 8th Street starting today and continuing through Tuesday, October 27, weather permitting. This section of University Avenue will be closed to traffic during construction. Detours will be in place, so please drive carefully and consider using an alternate route. For questions or more information, please contact the Utilities Department at 505-454-3832.

Attention City of Las Vegas Residents: We’re committed to ensuring reliable services for our community. To achieve this, we want to inform you about an important update. What You Need to Know: Who is Affected: Residents West of New Mexico Ave. from Gallegos Rd. to El Creston Circle. When: ** Wednesday, October 29, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. What is Happening: A contractor will be connecting a newly installed 12" water line behind New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute. The following residents in the area may experience low water pressure or a water outage: Romero St. Salazar St. Lopez St. Grant St. Keen St. Mora St. Taos St. Louden Housing Project Rio Arriba St. Tecolote St. Valley St. Montezuma St. Kavanaugh St. Socorro St. West National Ave. Santa Ana St. San Miguel St. Colonias St. El Creston Circle Monitor Updates: The City will provide updates as needed. We’re Here to Help: Utilities: (505) 454-3832 Website: lasvegasnm.gov ** TIME CHANGE FROM ORIGINAL NOTIFICATION TO LATER IN THE DAY

The Las Vegas Fire Department recently welcomed students from United World College (UWC-USA) for an engaging educational visit focused on the critical role mathematics plays in firefighting and emergency response. The students were accompanied by faculty members Gianvi from Italy, Sharad from India, and Manju from India, whose guidance helped connect classroom learning with real-world applications. During the visit, students gained insight into the daily life of a firefighter and explored the specialized gear and tools used in emergency situations. A key highlight of the day was a hands-on training exercise using a door prop, which simulates forced entry during rescue operations. Firefighters demonstrated how essential math and critical thinking are to their work. From calculating medication dosages and water pressure to managing hydrant flow and conducting fire inspections, students saw firsthand how math, science, reading, and writing are vital to effective fire ground operations. The Fire Department expressed appreciation for the students’ curiosity, engagement, and thoughtful questions. Connecting with young people in the community is important, as they represent the future of public service. Experiences like this may inspire some students to consider careers in emergency services or local government. In addition to their visit to the Fire Department, UWC-USA students have also met with city leaders including City Manager Robert A. Anaya, the Executive Team, and Community Development. They also volunteer at the local Animal Care Shelter by walking dogs and providing companionship to animals in need. The City of Las Vegas looks forward to continued collaboration with UWC-USA and supporting the next generation of globally minded, community-focused leaders.

The Water Distribution Division plans to install a new water service on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., weather permitting, in the Porter Avenue area. The work was originally scheduled for today but was delayed due to weather conditions, and there is the potential it could be further delayed depending on weather. During this time, detours and temporary road closures will be in place at the intersections of Porter Avenue and Montezuma Street and Romero Street and Salazar 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 it may cause. For more information or questions regarding this work, please contact the Utilities Department at (505) 454-3832.

The Water Distribution Division will be installing a new water service today, Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Porter Avenue area. During this time, detours and temporary road closures will be in place at the intersections of Porter Avenue and Montezuma Street, as well as Romero Street and Salazar 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 it may cause. For more information or questions regarding this work, please contact the Utilities Department at (505) 454-3832.