While New Mexico itself is contending with a potential population crash due to low birth rates – represented in part by a population increase of less than two percent from 2010-2019 – Lea County appears to be headed in the opposite direction. In the last decade, the county added almost ten percent more people, topping…

The Community Players of Hobbs are recruiting young performers from the area to act in Aladdin Jr., being this year’s selected performance for the 2021 Youth Performance Arts Workshop (YPAW). This is the 12th year that the Community Players of Hobbs have hosted YPAW. Aladdin Jr. features the main character from the familiar Disney story,…

Members of the law enforcement community of Lea County are pledging their enthusiastic support to assist Special Olympians in New Mexico. This year, the first annual Law Enforcement Torch Run will be held in Lea County, combined with a family festival flair. All of the proceeds from the run will be donated to the Special…

The City of Hobbs is a recipient of this inaugural year’s Centennial Roots program. Centennial Roots is an annual tree donation program sponsored by the independent oil and gas company Centennial Resource Development. The Texas communities of Pecos and Midland are also beneficiaries of this year’s inaugural program. All three communities are located within the…

Oil and gas is big business in New Mexico and in Lea County. It’s important to remember that New Mexico is the third largest oil producing state in the USA and that oil and gas production is a major driver of the state’s economy. The oil and gas industry puts paychecks into the pockets of…

After closing to comply with COVID-19 restrictions, the Hobbs Teen Center has reopened to serve Hobbs’ teenagers. All current 6th grade through 12th grade students are welcome. Teen Center membership is free. However, a parent or guardian must sign a permission form before students are allowed to attend the center and participate in the activities…

While the pandemic continues to prevent some public gatherings, it isn’t stopping the Southwest Symphony of Hobbs from holding its first-ever series of virtual concerts. Viewable live through online streaming services as well as afterwards on the group’s YouTube channel, the concerts provide everyone with free access to quality, local entertainment. The first virtual concert,…

For the past three years, Manny Gomez has been the acting City Manager of Hobbs following the retirement of J.J. Murphy. On Monday, April 19, the Hobbs City Commission voted unanimously to appoint Gomez as the official City Manager based on his dedicated service and his vision for the community. “It is an honor to…

Commencement ceremonies are a significant part of the college journey, marking the successful completion of degrees and certificates following earnest hard work and a commitment to academic rigor. At New Mexico Junior College (NMJC), this year’s commencement will follow in the example of last year by being held virtually to assure the safety of students…

A new park will soon serve as a community gathering place and location to honor and remember veterans in Hobbs. The park’s approval was received at the April 5th meeting of the City Commission, reversing an earlier vote in February during which it was rejected. Those voting in favor of the park changed their vote…