Local Stories

By Misty Cryer Lt. Col. James H. “Jim” Ground came to town to celebrate Veterans Day and to dedicate “Adopt-A-Highway” signage at th e four major highway entrances into town, acknowledging that Carlsbad is the birthplace of SSgt. Barry Sadler, songwriter and performer of the hit, “Ballad of the Green Berets,” co-written with Robin Moore. “The recognition of SSgt. Barry Sadler started when MSgt. George Hurd, Carlsbad native and graduate of the Class of ’62, saw that Barry Sadl

With Election Day behind us, contests and ballot questions are now settled. The Higher Education General Obligation Bond 3 passed statewide with 64% in favor. In Eddy County, it fell just short (7,076 for versus 7,168 against), but the win at the state level will send $1 million to Southeast New Mexico College for a renovation of its Main Building. Thank you to everyone who voted and let their voice be heard. It also provides a welcome respite from political attack ads. The w

By Sarah Jones, Library Director, Carlsbad Public Library Everyone has a story to tell. Whether you’ve dreamed of writing a novel, want to capture family memories, enjoy poetry, or simply have ideas that won’t leave your imagination alone, creative writing is a rewarding way to express yourself. The best part? You don’t need to be an expert to begin. Every published author started with a blank page and a first sentence. The most important tip for new writers is simple: just s

By Don Eskins The Carlsbad Cavemen, who somehow just keep finding ways to win, reached down deep to find another against the Hobbs Eagles in the opening round of the Class 6A state football tournament in Carlsbad on Saturday afternoon, November 7. Up by two touchdowns, 35-20, as the final quarter of play got underway, the Cavemen watched Hobbs score 15 unanswered points to tie the game up at 35-35 and send the game into overtime. The Cavemen, with the ball first, wasted no ti

By Roy Willis Insurance Agency Well, folks, it’s that magical time of year again! No, we’re not talking about Christmas, Thanksgiving, or the annual migration of snowbirds to warmer climates. We’re talking about Health Insurance Open Enrollment. Yes, it’s the season when Americans everywhere gather around their computers, scratch their heads, and attempt to understand words like deductible, copayment, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum. It’s enough to make a grown man rea

By Don Eskins The Cavegirl volleyball team closed out the 2026 season by sweeping the Roswell Coyotes 3-0 in Carlsbad on Thursday, November 5. The victory lifted Carlsbad’s record up to an even 10-10 on the year and 3-3 in conference. At 3-3, CHS finished district play as the conference runner-up behind District 4/5A champion Clovis. The 10-10 Cavegirls made vast improvements this season. During 2025, they posted an overall record of 6-16. In conference play, they went 2-4 an

By Don Eskins Carlsbad High’s Cavemen and Cavegirl cross country teams represented themselves, their school, and the community well at the New Mexico Class 5A State Championship Meet in Albuquerque on Saturday, November 7. The Cavemen, having scored 203 points, placed 10th. The Cavegirls, with 331 points, finished 12th. “Our boys ran a very solid race at state. They beat both of our district rivals: Hobbs and Clovis,” said CHS head coach Michael Sims. “Hobbs was an especiall

by R. Gabriel Villalobos On a crisp Friday evening this past October, a solitary figure stood on a platform 25 feet above the ground, brush in hand, putting the finishing touches on a larger-than-life roadrunner towering above an empty parking lot. The wall it was painted on belongs to the City of Carlsbad’s public racquetball courts near The Cascades. The artist, Audrey DeBleecker, stood applying paint, looking exhausted but satisfied. She signaled that she was coming down a