Local News

Three students from Luna Community College brought home gold medals, and another, a bronze medal, from the SkillsUSA state conference earlier this month in Albuquerque.

Johnny Garcia took first-place in autobody collision repair, while Laura Hurtado and Julie Trambley won a team first-place in cosmetology and nail technology. Kathy Maes won third-place in the cosmetology hair competition.

Officials have been talking about moving City Hall or fixing up the council chambers since 1991.

Public Works Director Carlos Ortiz told the council last week that the governing body indicates every year that it wants to wait another year to see what happens.

“Now that the council has gotten smaller we need to do something with this facility,” Ortiz said. He said the city has talked to an architect about some of the possibilities, but has not begun any design and development for the project.

The Villanueva Mutual Domestic Water Consumers Association will receive a $961,000 loan and a $539,000 grant from the federal government, an official announced Monday.

U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., said the funds will be used to improve and expand the community’s water system. The system needs a bigger tank to replace leaking tanks, a new well, pump and well house and more fire hydrants, among other things.

A 33-year-old Las Vegas man is accused of raping a woman and later threatening her by saying he could have her fired from her job.

The man, who lives on San Miguel Street, was arrested on charges of criminal sexual penetration, kidnapping, robbery and intimidation of a witness.

According to a criminal complaint, the alleged victim on March 31 had just gotten off from work and went to sleep when the suspect woke her up. He asked her to go for a ride, but she protested at first, saying she was tired.