The Hobbs Fire Department (HFD) has a new chief. After a nationwide search, the department’s leadership is being handed over to Deputy Fire Chief Barry Young, a Hobbs native. Since 2020 Young has been serving as Acting Fire Chief. During his time as Acting Fire Chief, Young’s former boss Fire Chief Manny Gomez has assumed…

Problems for politician Sheryl Williams Stapleton are nothing new. They go back as far as 2011 when as Democratic Whip she was forced to apologize to then Gov. Susana Martínez. The reason for the apology was a derogatory comment Wiliams Stapleton made referring to the governor as “the Mexican on the fourth floor”. Now some…

Energy and its production is the life blood of Lea County. Both the county and the state profit greatly from the revenues generated from energy, especially oil and gas, slightly over half of which is delivered from federal lands within the state.  “Oil and gas development on federal lands is and will be a critical…

While many people have already been vaccinated across the country, Lea County’s own numbers remain dismally low at just around 20% of total residents being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. New Mexico as a whole if faring a bit better with total vaccination around 56% as of July 23. While the state is listed as an…

Perhaps the largest entertainment event in the region, the Lea County Fair & Rodeo returns this year after missing 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fair & Rodeo will host a week of various events for people in the community and visitors alike. However, around the country concerns are growing about the “delta variant”…

This month in Lea County, 36 drilling permits have been granted by the Oil Conservation Division (OCD) of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department to 12 different operators. All of these permits are for gas wells. EOG Resources, Inc., which already is one of New Mexico’s largest oil and gas operators, was…

Inspired by Science Camp ’21 gave young scientists a chance to participate in hands-on activities and challenges July 12-15.  Through online videos, Camp Director Deena Antiporda led students (ages 7-12) through activities completed using materials provided in an included camp kit.  They also uploaded photos and comments about their work, giving them the chance to…

Service station operators in New Mexico, as a result of a July 19 ruling by the state’s Supreme Court, can be held liable for selling fuel to an intoxicated driver. Tennessee is the only other US state where such liability exists. According to the recent ruling, New Mexico “commercial gasoline vendors” are obliged to refrain…

August 14, September 11, October 2 and November 6 seem like a long time away, but these four days – important to mark on your calendar – will arrive far sooner than you think and you’ll want to be ready for them.  On these four days the City of Hobbs will pick up and carry…

World War II Navy veteran Ernie Andres, who on August 19th will have 98 candles to blow out on his birthday cake, has received nationwide press for trekking the US coast-to-coast. His first two-year mission started at the Pacific Ocean nearby San Diego, California in October of 2013. Ernie successfully completed his cross country trek…