This past Friday, the Las Vegas Police Department observed a mock evacuation drill at Union Elementary School. These drills are a standard safety measure designed to protect both students and staff in the event of an emergency. The purpose of such exercises is to evaluate current procedures and determine if any adjustments are needed to improve safety protocols. They provide an opportunity for all involved agencies to assess their roles and responsibilities and identify areas for improvement to enhance coordination and response. Las Vegas Dispatch played an active role in the drill, with support from the Las Vegas Fire Department. Following the exercise, Police Chief Caleb Marquez and Fire Chief Steven Spann held a quick debrief to discuss potential improvements and collaboration strategies. The Police and Fire Departments have a strong working relationship   and are committed   to   continuing to strengthen that partnership   to ensure the highest level of safety and preparedness for our schools and community. This is part of a broader initiative, and similar drills and safety evaluations will continue across schools throughout the city over the coming days and weeks. Our public safety teams remain dedicated to improving emergency response processes and ensuring the safety of all educators and students.

To maintain the quality and safety of our water system, the City of Las Vegas will be flushing fire hydrants throughout various locations in the city. When:  Monday, September 15 through Friday, September 19, 2025 Time:  8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. During this period, you may notice temporary water discoloration or changes in water pressure. This is a routine maintenance procedure to ensure reliable service and the safety of your water supply. Your safety is our priority. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Please observe all posted signs and respect city employees working in the area. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the City of Las Vegas Utilities Division at (505) 454-3832.

The City of Las Vegas would like to inform residents of two upcoming road construction projects scheduled to begin on Monday, September 15, 2025. These projects are part of our continued efforts to improve local infrastructure and roadway safety. The first project will take place on 9th Street, between Grand Avenue and Tilden Avenue, and includes asphalt resurfacing along with curb and gutter improvements. Work will occur Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and is expected to continue through October 15. While the road will remain open to traffic, delays are likely. Please consider alternate routes when possible. The second project involves the installation of a storm drain system on Raynolds Street, between 6th Street and 4th Street. Work will be conducted between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is expected to run through October 17. This area will experience partial or full closures, with detours and traffic control in place. As we improve our infrastructure, we want to thank the community for its continued support. Our staff is working day in and day out for a better Las Vegas, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation as we carry out these important upgrades. For more information, please contact the City of Las Vegas Public Works Department at 505-426-3294.

The Plaza Park inner circle will be closed on Saturday, September 13, from 10:30 a.m. to approximately 7:00 p.m. for a permitted event. This event is   not city-sponsored, operated, or organized by the City. Drive-through access to the Plaza will be limited during this time. However, parking will remain available on Bridge Street, in the Valencia Parking Lot, and on nearby side streets. Detours will be in place, so please follow posted signage and plan alternate routes to avoid delays. Local businesses will remain open, and we encourage everyone to continue supporting them during the event. Thank you for your cooperation.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a quorum of the Governing Body of the City of Las Vegas may be present for Recovery Month Event-4th Judicial District on September 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Community Garden at the corner of Railroad and Douglas, Las Vegas, NM 87701. They will not be making any decisions and will not be taking any action on city business. Sent via email to Las Vegas Optic Fax: KFUN-KLVF Radio and KNMX-KMDZ-KBQL Radio for PSA Available on City Website: www.lasvegasnm.gov

The City of Las Vegas Streets Division will be performing pothole repairs on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Traffic control and detours will be in effect at the following locations: ·     Pecos Street between East National Avenue and University Avenue These measures are necessary to ensure a safe environment for both city crews and the public. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes during this time. We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we work to improve our streets. For more information, please contact the City of Las Vegas Public Works Department at 505-426-3294.

The effluent water system at the standpipes located at City Utilities on 12th Street will be temporarily unavailable beginning September 2, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. This closure is due to necessary maintenance and will remain in effect until further notice. During this time, effluent water from the Wastewater Treatment Plant will be available only to contractors. The general public will not have access to effluent water at the standpipes until the system is restored. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding while this maintenance is completed. Additional updates will be provided as they become available. For more information, please contact the City of Las Vegas 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 of Las Vegas What is Happening:  The City of Las Vegas mailed out letters to the residents of Las Vegas regarding lead and copper. (The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated that all lead and copper water lines THROUGHOUT THE NATION  must be identified.) The City mailed out surveys earlier this year to the residents of Las Vegas asking customers to identify the material of the pipes in their homes.  Recently a follow up letter was sent to inform the residents that if they have lead and copper pipes in their homes or if the waterline from their home to the City meter is lead or copper, pre 1986, these lines will need to be identified by the year 2027 as set forth by the EPA. This notification is strictly to identify pipes on the customers side.  Notification to the residents for this EPA mandate began June 5, 2025 and the deadline is October of 2025. All information on the lead and copper act can be obtained at: https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/lead-and-copper-rule City of Las Vegas water IS SAFE  to drink. We’re Here to Help: Utilities:  (505) 454-3832 Website:   lasvegasnm.gov Your safety and the health of our community remain our top priority. Thank you  for your cooperation as we work to serve you better and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Should you require any further information please contact the City of Las Vegas Utilities Division at (505) 454-3832 and ask for Travis Martinez.

Las Vegas, NM – Herminio Benavidez, age 47, has been sentenced to 10 years in the New Mexico Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to multiple counts of drug trafficking, announced Fourth Judicial District Attorney Tom Clayton. The convictions stem from two separate cases involving the trafficking of cocaine and fentanyl, with the most recent incident occurring in January of this year. District Judge Flora Gallegos accepted plea agreements in which Benavidez pleaded guilty to three counts of trafficking a controlled substance (possession with intent). These included possession of cocaine on June 30, 2022, and possession of both fentanyl and cocaine on January 29, 2025. In addition to the prison sentence, Benavidez agreed to forfeit over $155,000 in U.S. currency seized during the investigations. These funds will be deposited into the General Fund of the State of New Mexico. Both cases involved court-authorized search warrants executed at Benavidez’s residence on the 700 block of Union Street in Las Vegas, New Mexico. In the June 2022 incident, the Las Vegas City Police Department, in collaboration with the Region IV Narcotics Task Force, conducted an undercover operation following reports of drug activity at the location. Officers executed a search warrant and discovered 927 grams (approximately 2.1 pounds) of cocaine and over $144,000 in various denominations hidden in a safe in the defendant’s bedroom. While out on release conditions from the 2022 case, Benavidez was again investigated in early 2025. The San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office led the second investigation with assistance from the District Attorney’s Office Investigators and the New Mexico State Police. Acting on new intelligence that drug trafficking had resumed at the same address, law enforcement secured another search warrant. During the January 29, 2025 search, officers located more than 1,300 fentanyl pills, cocaine, a firearm, and over $11,900 in cash. All seized substances from both investigations were sent to the New Mexico Crime Lab, where they tested positive for illegal narcotics. Las Vegas City Police Chief Caleb Marquez commended the coordinated effort of law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation and prosecution of the cases. “The Las Vegas Police Department is committed to getting drugs off our streets, and it is a priority to pursue these cases aggressively and efficiently,” said Marquez. “I’m proud of our officers and the time and dedication they put into these investigations. These results are only possible through strong collaboration with our partners at the Region IV Narcotics Task Force, the San Miguel County Sheriff's Office, the District Attorney’s Office, and the New Mexico State Police. We are stronger together, and we will continue this work day in and day out to protect our community.” San Miguel County Sheriff Chris Lopez acknowledged the dedication and teamwork that led to the successful prosecution. “I would like to recognize the hard work and countless hours involved in such a coordinated effort by my deputies and all agencies involved. We will continue our efforts to seek out those who choose to traffic illicit drugs within our community,” said Lopez. “I would also like to point out that the County of San Miguel, in coordination with the State of New Mexico, is close to opening the Northeastern Regional Crisis and Treatment Center to serve those struggling with addiction to the poison plaguing our community.” District Attorney Tom Clayton emphasized the seriousness of drug-related crime and the risks faced by law enforcement. “We will continue to address the drug problem within our community. I appreciate working with the dedicated officers/deputies. It is common that drug trafficking and firearms go hand in hand, and as such, every time officers execute a search warrant, they are placing themselves in harm’s way. They do this for the benefit of the community. I cannot thank them enough.” The State was represented by District Attorney Thomas Clayton and Mr. Benavidez was represented by Attorneys William Snowden and Damian Horne from Los Alamos.

Las Vegas, N.M.  – As a reminder, and with a few additional details since the original August 15 announcement, the City of Las Vegas is finalizing preparations for the 2025 Final Al Fresco celebration. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, Plaza Park and surrounding streets will be temporarily closed beginning Thursday, August 28 at 6:00 p.m. This closure will allow time for event setup, activities, and post-event cleanup. The park will fully reopen the morning of Monday, September 1, when normal operations and drive-through access will resume. This year’s Final Al Fresco promises to be a vibrant celebration featuring a wide variety of food, craft, and drink vendors. The event brings together residents and visitors alike to enjoy the final days of summer in the heart of historic Las Vegas. The 2025 celebration is dedicated to the memory of Steve Leger, the driving force behind Friday Al Fresco and a beloved local music legend, as well as Bobby Madrid, another cherished musician who passed in July. Their lasting contributions to our music community will never be forgotten. The City also proudly honors Ms. Yvette Arellanes, co-creator of Friday Al Fresco, whose ongoing commitment has greatly enriched our city’s cultural community. A highlight of the weekend will be an exciting lineup of live music, with performances by Vegan Shark, Fireball, Luisa G, Kenny Medina, Daniel Solis, Siempre, Paul’s Alibi, Strings Attached, Danny Duran Band, Wild Country, Jeremy Sanchez, and Carlos Medina. Street Closures in Effect To accommodate the event and ensure public safety, the following streets will be closed to traffic for the duration of the celebration: ·         Bridge Street at Valencia Street / Paseo del Las Escuelas ·         Valencia Street / North Gonzales Street ·         North Gonzales Street / Plaza Park ·         Valencia Street / Hot Springs Boulevard ·         Morrison Street / West National Avenue ·         Moreno Street / South Pacific Street ·         South Gonzales Street / Moreno Street  ·         Historic Plaza Park area Drivers are advised to use alternate routes and expect delays and detours in the vicinity of Plaza Park during the closure period. Public Safety and Access Measures Weather forecasts predict increased rainstorms and precipitation throughout the event. Due to recent rainfall, the ground remains saturated and the Gallinas River is elevated. Public safety officials will monitor weather and site conditions daily. Any delays or schedule adjustments will be made with public safety as the top priority. All entrances to Plaza Park will be gated. For safety, both pedestrians and drivers are urged to proceed with caution in the area. Parking on the Plaza grounds is strictly prohibited. Visitors are encouraged to use alternative parking locations nearby. Drive-through traffic through the Plaza is suspended during the closure and will resume on Monday, September 1. Support Local Businesses While Plaza Park is closed for the event, businesses in the surrounding area remain open and ready to welcome customers. The City encourages residents and visitors to continue supporting local merchants during the celebration. The City of Las Vegas thanks the community for its cooperation and patience during these temporary closures. These efforts are essential to creating a safe, welcoming, and festive environment for everyone attending Final Al Fresco. The City looks forward to hosting a vibrant weekend of cultural celebration, food, entertainment, and community spirit. For more information on closures and event logistics, please contact the City of Las Vegas Event Planner, Chuck Griego at 505-617-5733.

City public safety officials are urging all residents to avoid the Gallinas River and the Riverwalk Park area due to elevated water levels caused by consistent rainfall and heavy overnight storms in the city and surrounding areas. While slightly drier weather is expected over the next couple of days, additional rain is forecast for the weekend, which may worsen conditions. Residents living near the Gallinas River or in low-lying drainage areas should remain alert and be prepared to move to higher ground if necessary. Several roads on the outskirts of the city are currently flooded. Officials strongly warn against driving through flood-covered roads. All posted warning signs should be obeyed, and instructions from city personnel must be followed to ensure public safety. The safety of residents remains the city’s top priority. Community cooperation is essential during this time. For the latest updates and emergency information, please visit www.lasvegasnm.gov or follow the Las Vegas City Government Facebook page.

The City of Las Vegas is conducting its final collection of essential items to assist the Ruidoso community in their ongoing recovery. This is the last opportunity for residents to contribute, and we are focusing on collecting only the most urgently needed supplies. Requested items include bottled water, tissue paper, laundry detergent, dish soap, wet wipes or baby wipes, hand sanitizer, Clorox disinfecting wipes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, diapers (all sizes), and dog or cat food. All donations must be dropped off by Thursday, August 28. The final load will be delivered to Ruidoso on Friday, August 29. We ask that only the listed items be donated, as we are concentrating efforts on critical needs. Donations may be delivered to the City of Las Vegas Public Works Building, located at 1700 N. Grand Avenue, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this effort. Your generosity and community spirit have made a difference. For more information, please call 505-454-1401 ext. 1006.