Las Vegas Optic

5 days ago | lasvegasoptic.com | Phil Scherer

A Villanueva man was recently sentenced to serve more than 11 years in prison for the murder of  Alejandro Rodriguez after pleading guilty in late 2024. The shooting took place in December 2023. Gary Hicks, 60, took a plea deal to avoid going to trial on the murder charge, which was reduced from a first-degree murder charge to second-degree murder as part of the agreement. He was sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison, but seven years were suspended as a result of the plea.

5 days ago | lasvegasoptic.com | Ryan Lowery

An Albuquerque woman is facing criminal charges for allegedly trafficking drugs in Las Vegas and for her role in an alleged scheme to deliver drugs to someone inside the San Miguel County Detention Center. Prosecutors this week charged 29-year-old Elizabeth N. Guevara with seven felony counts after investigators with the Region IV Narcotics Task Force monitored phone calls between her and 42-year-old Richard A. Flores, who is currently incarcerated at SMCDC on a probation violation.

6 days ago | lasvegasoptic.com | Patrick Lohmann

People across the state should increasingly prepare to lose power the next time high winds and dry conditions combine to raise wildfire risk in their communities.

6 days ago | lasvegasoptic.com | Vanessa Maciel

Known for her dedication to mentoring and advocating for others, Elaine Rodriquez spent the last few weeks of her life looking out for the wellbeing of her students. Rodriquez, the head of the history and political science department at New Mexico Highlands University and former city of Las Vegas councilwoman, passed away April 27. Rodriquez’s loss leaves many in both the Las Vegas and NMHU communities missing a leader who strove for the betterment of all.

1 week ago | lasvegasoptic.com | Vanessa Maciel

For local Lorraine Romero, helping a senior citizen avoid living in an assisted care facility and remain in her Los Montoyas home helps them both see their value and worthiness to society. Romero is involved in a senior companion program organized by Help New Mexico and Chicanos por la Causa. Senior companions, care companions and foster grandparents in the region were recognized for their service during a ceremony April 30 at the George Salazar Center.