The New Mexico State Police (NMSP) “is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Antonio Durantes Jr.” of Lovington states a March 15, NMSP press release, authored by Officer Dusty Francisco.  Antonio Durantes Jr. is categorized by the NMSP as a “Missing Endangered Juvenile”.  Durantes Jr., age 15, is described in the press release as a…

The Lea County Board of Commissioners addressed issues of long-term importance at their regular meeting on Thursday, March 10.   The commission routinely meets to discuss a variety of issues involving the county. On Thursday’s meeting, a range of topics were covered, from the new congressional redistricting to cannabis regulation. Congressional Redistricting Opposed Commissioners from Eddy…

The City of Hobbs and the Hobbs Animal Adoption Center (HAAC) are concerned about the number of canine distemper cases that are entering the center.  While the origin is unknown, there are many possible avenues for transmission of this contagious disease. The disease is preventable through vaccination, and is not transmissible to humans. What is…

Lovington Police Department (LPD) detectives recently arrested four, male juveniles accused of stealing more than $17,000 in inventory from Lovington Tobacco and Vape. The store is located at 1016 Main Street in Lovington. The burglary took place on July 4, 2021.  The boys, aged 17, 16, 15 and 12, were charged with “larceny over $2,500…

Municipal Elections took place in Hobbs and Lovington on Tuesday, March 1. Called by the New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, the March 1 elections were for municipalities that did not “opt-in” to what is known as the “Regular Local Election“.  According to the City of Hobbs, election results are currently unofficial and…

Alexis Avila, the 18-year-old Hobbs teen accused of throwing her newborn into a dumpster behind Rig Outfitters and Home Store on January 7, is going to trial for attempted first degree murder and felony child abuse resulting in great bodily harm.  New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas and 5th Judicial District Attorney Dianna Luce, serving…

People living or doing business in Hobbs will need to prepare for some slight adjustments to the typical operating hours of many city services. The City of Hobbs has announced new hours of operation effective Monday, March 7. City offices will be open Monday — Thursday, 8:00 am — 6:00 pm and Friday, 8:00 am…

An incident that occurred around 10:30 pm, on Wednesday, February 23 left one suspect dead, another, a female, on the run and a Hobbs Police Department (HPD) officer in the hospital.  The confrontation evolved when a HPD officer tried to speak to two people seated inside a black Dodge dually pickup. The truck was parked…

During a Thursday, February 17 news conference about the ending of New Mexico’s 30-day 2022 legislative session, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the lifting of the state’s requirement for people to wear face coverings in most indoor settings.  The governor’s surprise announcement is effective immediately and covers all New Mexicans age two and older regardless…

Hobbs police are investigating two deaths that happened on Tuesday, February 15. The two deaths are seemingly unrelated, coincidentally occurring on the same day. One of the two is quite likely a homicide, though investigations for both are ongoing. Officials are asking the public to come forward with any information they might have regarding the…