The Literacy Fair, proudly sponsored by First Born of Northern New Mexico and Luna Community College, is an event you won’t want to miss, and Carnegie Library is excited to be part of the fun! Join us on Saturday, February 28th, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the MEC Auditorium, Luna Community College, for an afternoon full of reading, creativity, and family fun. Bring the whole family to enjoy a craft table inspired by the book "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein, explore new and gently used books, participate in hands-on activities for kids, and try your luck at winning door prizes, all while enjoying tasty snacks. This event is free and open to all ages. Come celebrate the joy of reading, connect with your community, and make memories that inspire a lifelong love of books! For more information, call Carnegie Library at 505-426-3304.

Join Carnegie Library and M.E.C.H.A. de NMHU for a Spring Swap, which will not only feature clothing but also include books and toys of all kinds. This event is for all ages and will be held on Saturday, March 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the NMHU Student Ballroom, located at 800 University Avenue. The Spring Swap is the perfect way to refresh your wardrobe, books, or toys without breaking the bank. It’s a sustainable, cost - effective, and community - driven alternative to traditional shopping. We will also accept donations of clothing, books, and toys to support the community and ensure plenty of items are available for everyone. Our Winter Clothing Swap was such a success that we’ve decided to make swaps a recurring seasonal event. Leftover items from our Winter Swap were donated to the Samaritan House Shelter, and children’s clothing and toys were given to the Old Town Mission Community Center. We plan to do the same this time. For more information, please call Carnegie Library at 505-426-3304.

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning in effect from 8 AM to 8 PM today for much of central and eastern New Mexico, including Las Vegas. Southwest to west winds of 35 to 45 miles per hour, with gusts up to 70 miles per hour, are expected. These damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines and could cause unexpected power outages. Travel will be hazardous, especially for high-profile vehicles, and blowing dust may reduce visibility to less than one mile at times across the eastern plains. At this time, PNM is not planning a Public Safety Power Shutoff, or PSPS; however, if conditions worsen, a shutoff may be considered. Report outages by texting #OUT to 78766 or at outagemap.pnm.com. Visit pnm.com/wildfire-safety for more information. In addition, a Red Flag Warning is in effect today from 10 AM to 7 PM for the Northeast Highlands and the East Central and Northeast Plains due to strong winds and low humidity. Another Red Flag Warning is in effect Wednesday from 10 AM to 7 PM. Wind gusts between 55 and 70 miles per hour, combined with very low humidity—as low as 8 percent Wednesday—will create critical fire weather conditions and allow fires to spread rapidly. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning, secure loose outdoor items, and use extreme caution with anything that could produce sparks. Stay tuned to local media for updates and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, is studying Grand Avenue (Business Loop15) to improve safety and access for all users, including drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders. The study area extends along Grand Avenue from Columbia Street to just north of Mills Avenue. Join us at a public meeting to learn more about the study, review existing conditions and initial design alternatives, and share your questions and feedback. WHEN: Tuesday, February 17, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM WHERE: New Mexico Highlands University Student Center, Room 322 800 National Ave, Las Vegas, NM 87701

Las Vegas, NM  — What if playing a game on your phone could help feed a shelter dog right here in Las Vegas? Thanks to the free TREAT app, it can. The City of Las Vegas Animal Care Center is inviting animal lovers to download the app and start playing for real shelter pets. The TREAT app features actual dogs from the shelter, transforming them into animated characters in a simple, interactive dice game. Each roll earns “kibbles,” which translate into real food and treats donated directly to the shelter. At any given time, the Animal Care Center typically cares for an average of 75 dogs and cats — all relying on daily meals, enrichment, and attention while they wait for their forever homes. While the shelter receives generous community support, much of its food supply is funded through the city’s general budget. Every donated treat earned through the app helps stretch those resources further, allowing funds to be redirected toward toys, training, enrichment activities, medical needs, and expanded adoption outreach. “It may feel like a simple game on your phone,” said Bea Gallegos, Animal Care Manager, “but every roll of the dice helps fill a real bowl here at the shelter. It turns spare moments into real meals for our animals.” Beyond filling bowls, the app is also boosting visibility for adoptable pets. By showcasing shelter dogs in a fun and engaging way, TREAT introduces them to new audiences — and that exposure is already making an impact. Some users have scheduled visits after seeing dogs featured in the game, turning virtual play into real-life connections. Throughout the year, the app also hosts special contests that allow users to gift specialized items to the shelter when specific needs arise. The TREAT app is free and available for download on iOS and Android devices. Roll the dice. Earn kibbles. Fill a bowl. Help a shelter pet — one game at a time.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in collaboration with Tierra y Montes Soil and Water Conservation District and the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (NMDFA), have started sediment and debris removal at the Gallinas River Skating Pond. This project is being completed through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP), a federal emergency recovery program that assists local communities in recovering after disasters and helps relieve imminent threats to life and property. This marks the second time the program has supported necessary sediment removal at this location. The sediment accumulation resulted from impacts caused by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and was further exacerbated by subsequent heavy rains, flooding, and monsoon seasons. Work is expected to continue over several weeks, weather permitting. While no road closures are anticipated, the public should be aware that this will be an active construction zone with heavy machinery operating in the area. Residents and visitors can expect: Heavy equipment and construction vehicles on site Trucks entering and exiting the area Staged material and sediment piles Possible traffic delays Increased safety risks due to high traffic speeds in the area    Access to the area will remain open; however, the public is strongly encouraged to avoid the site unless necessary and to use caution when traveling nearby. For the safety of workers and the public, interference with the project will not be permitted. Law enforcement may be contacted if needed to address non-compliance or safety concerns.   For more information, please contact: Gerald Romero, District Manager Tierra y Montes Soil and Water Conservation District Phone: 505-617-5644 Email: gromero@tymswcd.org

The City of Las Vegas will be conducting road and utility improvement projects on February 12 and 13, and motorists are advised to plan accordingly. The Public Works Department has a contractor completing asphalt paving on Ridge Runner Road today, February 12, and tomorrow, Friday, February 13, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. Motorists should expect a single-lane closure with traffic control in place. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, use caution, and follow all posted traffic control signs and personnel instructions to ensure the safety of workers and the traveling public. The Water Distribution Division will continue installing water services today, February 12, until approximately 4:30 p.m. on Hot Springs Boulevard. A road closure will be in effect from Bernalillo Street to Valencia Street, and traffic will be redirected. Drivers are urged to use caution and follow posted signage. Residents in the 1900 - 2100 blocks may experience low water pressure or a temporary outage during the work. For more information regarding the Ridge Runner Road paving project, please contact Public Works at 505-426-3294. For questions regarding the Hot Springs Boulevard water service installation, please contact the Utilities Department at 505-454-3832. Thank you for your cooperation.

The City of Las Vegas would like to notify the public that asphalt milling work is taking place today on Ridge Runner Road. Motorists should expect a single lane closure with traffic control in place. Work will continue until 5:00 p.m. today. Drivers are urged to use caution in the area, reduce speed, and follow all posted traffic control signs and personnel instructions to ensure the safety of workers and the traveling public. For additional information, please contact Public Works at 505-426-3294. Thank you for your cooperation.

The City of Las Vegas Utilities Customer Service Department will be closed on Wednesday, February 11, from 8:00 a.m. to approximately 10:00 a.m. to participate in a work orientation. Customer service hours will resume immediately afterward and remain open for the rest of the day. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we work to improve our services.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 10, 2026 Police Investigation Results in Safe Recovery of Juvenile Las Vegas, NM — The Las Vegas Police Department Investigation Division is conducting an active investigation that began early this morning at approximately 3:00 a.m. involving the abduction of a 9-year-old girl. With the assistance of a courageous citizen, the juvenile was safely recovered, and 24-year-old male suspect Taran Dragon-Franklyn Atman has been taken into custody. The child is safe at this time. Due to the involvement of juvenile records and in order to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, the Las Vegas Police Department will be releasing strictly limited information. The incident occurred in the following areas of Las Vegas, New Mexico: ·        200 block of McRae ·        1400 block of 9th Street ·        Socorro Street The Las Vegas Police Department is requesting assistance from residents and businesses in these areas who may have video surveillance footage from the early morning hours. Any video evidence may be critical to the investigation. Anyone with information or surveillance footage is asked to contact the Las Vegas Police Department Investigation Division and request Sgt. Ryan Tafoya or Detective Gerardo Lozano at (505) 425-7504 ext. 3118 or ext. 3116. Any and all information helps. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

It’s time to get your team together and hit the court! Registration is now open for the Men’s 3-on-3 Basketball League. Teams may have up to five players with a $200 entry fee per team and will compete in an eight-game season. Registration forms must be picked up and turned in by March 6 at the Abe Montoya Recreation Center. For more information, contact Brandon Trujillo at the Abe Montoya Recreation Center at 505-426-1739 or Joe Ortiz at 505-617-2533.

The City of Las Vegas will have crews working to abate a property on the 300 block of Grand Avenue. During this operation, the southbound turning lane will be closed, as well as the intersection of Grand Avenue and Jackson Street.   Motorists and pedestrians should expect to see heavy equipment and trucks hauling debris in the area. For your safety and the safety of work crews, please slow down, stay alert, and follow all posted signage and directions.   We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we continue working hard to clean up and improve our city.