Oil and gas production is pumping strong in southeast New Mexico. The outlook for 2022 is positive, with the first quarter bringing a new big scale operator to the area.  Earthstone Energy, Inc., headquartered in Woodland, Texas with offices in Midland, announced in a press release on December 16 that it is acquiring assets of…

New Mexico is taking positive steps to limit the number of “human caused” seismic events, commonly known as earthquakes, that occur in Lea and Eddy counties, as well as in other southeast areas of the state. In general, earthquakes are a natural process that allows the earth to release tension and pressure that builds beneath…

The New Mexico legislature has not as of yet passed Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) legislation. In 2021 state lawmakers considered passing a law to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but negotiations stopped midstream.  Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham stated in a Monday, December 20 press release that she wants New Mexico lawmakers to pass LCFS during…

“The taxpayer building in the heart of Lea County” is what Chairwoman of the Lea County Board of Commissioners Rebecca Long has labeled the county’s new Judicial Complex. Chairwoman Long, who represents the county’s District 2, was mistress of ceremonies at the facility’s grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony, on Saturday, December 18. The complex…

Eunice, the second smallest city in Lea County, may have struck clear liquid gold in its attempt to solve the increasing water crisis of the region, a crisis that exists throughout the entire of New Mexico but is unique in Lea County. The Eunice City Council is moving forward with a plan to investigate the…

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham late on Friday, December 17 signed into law the new redistricting plan for the State of New Mexico which changes the shape of the state’s previous congressional districts (pictured above). Although the dust has hardly settled and the ink is barely dry, her signature has split Lea County into two districts….

The official grand opening of the Lea County Judicial Complex is happening this Friday, December 17, at 10:00 am. The entire community is invited to attend this special ribbon cutting/open house event. A welcoming reception will immediately follow the ceremony.  The location of the new 93,000 square foot judicial complex is 100 North Love Street…

John Ortolano submitted his resignation as the City of Hobbs Police Chief to the Hobbs City Manager Manny Gomez on Wednesday, December 8. Chief Ortolano’s resignation is effective January 8, 2022. The chief has served the City of Hobbs for a little more than two (2) years.  To ensure and solidify a smooth transition for…

UPDATE – DEC. 13, 2021 3:50 PM MST: A few hours after publication of this article, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reported the first confirmed case of the Omicron variant in the state. A woman from Bernalillo County tested positive and is recovering at home. She had previously visited a state where the…

The Lea County Museum, in Lovington, inducted three high-achievers into its Sports Hall of Fame earlier this month. Guy Allen, renowned rodeo champion — Bob Jackson, revered track athlete and coach — Adrianne Ross, outstanding basketball player — are the 2021 inductees into the Lea County Museum Sports Hall of Fame. The three were honored…