New Mexico’s Holloman Air Force Base, near Alamogordo in Otero County, and Fort Bliss Training Center Doña Ana Range Complex in Chaparral are busy places these days. These two military installations, along with six others throughout the nation, are being used by the Biden administration to provide temporary housing for evacuated, at-risk Afghan refugees. In…

In the early days of the pandemic, the world faced news stories of the US President recommending untested hydroxychloroquine and injecting bleach to ward off COVID-19. Medical experts, including those within his administration, rolled their eyes and warned the public not to follow through on President Trump’s unfounded and unscientific suggestions. Fast forward to today…

The New Mexico Environmental Department (NMED), the agency of the New Mexico state government responsible for “protecting and restoring the environment”, is serious about safeguarding air quality for all New Mexicans.  On Monday, August 30, the agency announced in a press release that it has “entered into a settlement agreement and stipulated final compliance order…

When it comes to COVID-19 in Lea County, things are still not good. The risk of becoming infected, especially for those who are unvaccinated, is extremely high. Hospitals and ICU units are full, and medical staff are being stretched to their limits.  With Lea County emergency rooms full to capacity, most often with coronavirus patients,…

COVID-19 remains a major problem in the City of Hobbs and all of Lea County. Many folks still are not vaccinated, and the infectious Delta variant is still spreading. Exposure from COVID-19 remains high and is affecting some public services, specifically the Hobbs Express transit system. In a press release [PDF] distributed late on Monday,…

The Hobbs Municipal Court reopens today, Tuesday, August 31. The Court has been closed to the public since Friday, August 20. No information about the reason for the temporary closure was released by the City of Hobbs. Facemasks Required Within Hobbs Municipal Court With the reopening of the Court comes a mask mandate, requiring everyone…

The New Mexico State Fair will soon be here, September 9 to 19. After being cancelled in 2020, the state fair is back, but with some precautions. To attend, participate or work, every person, unless exempt, must show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In addition there will be mask requirements at indoor locations….

The City of Hobbs has announced the temporary suspension of its public transportation service, the Hobbs Express. The suspension is effective today, Wednesday August 25.  The Hobbs Express facility, located at 424 West Broadway Street, is also temporarily closed.  Suspension and Closure Because of Possible COVID-19 Exposure The reason for the temporary suspension and closure…

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), on Friday, August 20, reported the state’s first human Bubonic plague case of 2021. It is the second incident of the disease verified in the US this year. The case was confirmed by the New Mexico Scientific Laboratory. The infected patient resides in Torrance County, is being treated…

Effective Friday, August 20, the Hobbs Municipal Court is temporarily closed to the public. The Court will reopen on Tuesday, August 31, according to a City of Hobbs press release dated August 20. Hobbs Municipal Court is located at 301 North Turner Street.  The press release states that the Court “provides a vital service in…