By Cassie McClure
While eyes were on the sky for both the planes and the threatening rains, Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) was on-hand at the Wings n Wheels event on Saturday, October 25, to chat with visitors about things closer to the ground, like conserving water and career opportunities.
According to organizer Brett Hahn, approximately 2,900 attended the event on Saturday alone, and some of those visitors stopped by to check out the LCU booths and trucks.
A LCU trash truck was open to let kids climb in, check out the cameras around the truck, and learn to be careful when they see them in their neighborhood. The second truck, the vactor – which is a huge, powerful vacuum on wheels – showed how LCU crews suck clogs out of large city sewer pipes.
The third truck, the NO-DES (Neutral Output-Discharge Elimination System), was shown as one of the newest additions to the fleet. The truck is used to tie onto between two hydrants and flush out sediment, instead of flushing the water onto the street.
At the booths, visitors could learn about water conservation, like when is best to water their yards and how a reusable water bottle can help both hydration and the environment. Plus, pups at the event could stop by for a drink at the PAWS for a Refresh station.
LCU customers could also learn more about UtilityHawk, a new way for customers to manage water and natural gas usage, which can even detect water leaks. The other booth 
had LCU Staffing Specialist Diamond Medina giving information about the LCU Internship Program and current employment opportunities.
“We want to be able to assist those interested in finding out more regarding available career opportunities at LCU and knowing how to apply online,” said Medina.
Along with employment opportunities, the LCU Internship Program is for incoming or current full-time students pursuing an Associate Degree in Water Technology at New Mexico State University Doña Ana Community College. The LCU Internship pays for tuition and other reasonable education-related expenses, including a monthly stipend and paid on-the-job training to assist with educational and living expenses, in exchange for up to 20 hours of work per week during semesters and 40 hours per week maximum during academic breaks.
Medina and other LCU associates will also be a part of the 2021 Las Cruces Home Builders Association Build My Future event on Wednesday, October 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2345 & 2355 E. Nevada Avenue. The event has partnered with the Las Cruces Public Schools to allow local high school students to have a day to work in the construction industry through an interactive showcase.
LCU Customer Central can be reached at 575-541-2111 from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. LCU provides clean, safe, and reliable services to Las Cruces residents and businesses. Learn more at: las-cruces.org/180/Utilities For emergencies, call Dispatch at 526-0500.
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PHOTO 1: From wings and wheels to water and trash, LCU associates chatted with visitors at the second Wings n Wheels Fest about water conservation and job opportunities.
PHOTO 2: Children checking out the NO-DES truck at the 2021 Wings n Wheels Fest at the Las Cruces Airport.