Today's News

Some residents touted the health benefits of a path for pedestrians and bicyclists along Cinder Road. Others called it a waste of money and questioned whether it would impede community irrigation ditches.

San Miguel County held its third public hearing last week on the proposed 1.5-mile path that it hopes to begin building soon.

The path is part of a long-term plan to link the city’s riverwalk, which the county hopes to eventually extend all the way to the United World College in Montezuma.

I read the Optic headlines wanting the new dorm at New Mexico Highlands University named after Sen. Pete Campos, D-Las Vegas. I applaud the regents for not wanting to name the dorm for a living person. There is one building or wing already.

If you are going to name a building, name it for person who has passed on. Preferably an educator who was from the community and is remembered by many.

My nomination would be Silas Lopez, NMHU alumnus, teacher, principal, superintendent. He served the community of Las Vegas for many years.

Benito Duran

It’s 11 months away, but a few local residents are thinking about running for mayor in next year’s municipal election.

May-or Tony Marquez, who was elected last March, hasn’t revealed whether he would run for a second two-year term.

Two City Council members are considering runs for mayor.

“I’m thinking about it. I haven’t made up my mind,” Councilman Andrew Feldman said.

Las Vegas police Officer Clarence Romero is alive today, and he knows whom to thank for that.

On Jan. 27, Romero had just ended his shift and arrived at the city recreation center around 6:30 a.m. to begin his workout, playing a few games of racquetball. Shortly after playing, he walked into the fitness room, where he collapsed.

Debbie Martinez, a local registered nurse and a regular at the center, came to the rescue. She determined that Romero had no pulse and used the center’s automated external defibrillator, a device that is used to revive people.