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.

On Thursday, October 16, New Mexico Speaker of the House Javier Martínez hosted a roundtable in Las Vegas, NM, with city and county officials, local business owners, and community partners. The discussion focused on recovery efforts, funding challenges, and the ongoing need for infrastructure improvements and community support. The meeting was highly productive, with participants expressing a shared commitment to continued collaboration. There are plans to hold additional roundtables in the future, potentially on a more individual or targeted scale. The City of Las Vegas is grateful for the continued support from the state as we work through post-recovery challenges and strive to strengthen our community. Attendees included: ·        Mayor David G. Romero, Las Vegas ·        City Manager Robert A. Anaya ·        City Public Information Officer Amanda Salas ·        City Police Chief Caleb Marquez ·        County Manager Joy Ansley ·        Deputy County Manager Jesus Romero ·        Sheriff Chris Lopez ·        Mayor Telesfor “Ted” Benavidez, Pecos ·        Asst. District 4 Engineer of Construction Chris Urioste, NMDOT ·        Speaker of the House Javier Martínez and his team: • Alicia Manzano – Chief of Staff • Claire Dudley Chavez – Policy Director • Helen Maestas – Director of Community Engagement ·        Representative Anita Gonzales (D-70) and District Legislative Aide Consuelo Lowe ·        Community partners: MG Salazar, Jim Abreu, and Leota Harriman ·        Local business owners: Josef Jaureguiberry, Andrea Gottschalk, Gabriel Garcia, Sara Jo Mathews, Elmo Baca, Chico Gallegos, Michelle Sandoval, Makani Nakasone, and Carlos Lopez    The city looks forward to continuing these conversations and building on the momentum from this gathering. We are proud of our strong, resilient community.

Starting today, the Outdoor Recreation Trail at Rodriguez Park, located at 1308 Grant Street, will be open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,   seven days a week, for the fall and winter season. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the cooler weather and peaceful atmosphere along the trail, which winds west into the mountains and features scenic views and possible wildlife sightings. Please observe animals from a safe distance. The 1.5-mile, 12-foot-wide trail is open to walkers, runners, and pedal bikers only. Motorized vehicles of any kind, including trucks, UTVs, ATVs, and dirt bikes, are not allowed. To ensure safety, the Las Vegas Police Department has increased patrols in the area and will monitor the trail both in person and via security cameras. Trail visitors are reminded to keep the area clean and undisturbed to help preserve the natural environment for everyone’s enjoyment. We encourage you to get out and enjoy it. Whether you are looking for a peaceful walk, an energizing run, or a scenic bike ride, the Rodriguez Park Nature Trail offers a beautiful and safe space to connect with nature. Bring a friend, take in the views, and experience all that the trail has to offer this season.

Last night at approximately 8:30 PM, the Las Vegas Fire Department responded to reports of an explosion and a possible roof collapse in the area of Catalina Court. Units from Stations 1 and 2 were dispatched to the scene to investigate the situation. Upon arrival, fire crews conducted a thorough assessment of the area. Residents in the vicinity may have heard a loud explosive sound. After a complete inspection, no fire was found, and no injuries were reported to either residents or fire personnel. The scene has been stabilized and remains under investigation at this time. There is no danger to the public or surrounding areas. The Las Vegas Fire Department will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. We appreciate the public’s cooperation and understanding during this response.