Local Stories

Salado Isolation Mining Contractors, LLC (SIMCO) announced this year’s award of $90,000 in grants to 18 nonprofit organizations serving Eddy and Lea counties, a $15,000 increase over last year. The grants were presented during a reception ceremony celebrating the fourth year of SIMCO’s employee-driven charitable giving program. Since its inception, the SIMCO Employee Investment Advisory Committee has distributed approximately $300,000 to local nonprofit organizations across t

By Sarah Jones, Library Director, Carlsbad Public Library New Mexico is a place where history and legend seem to walk side by side. From adobe villages and ancient ruins to lonely desert roads and historic hotels, our state is filled with stories that have been passed down from one generation to the next. Some are meant to frighten us, while others simply invite us to wonder: What really happened? Ghost stories are an important part of New Mexico’s cultural storytelling tradi

By Don Eskins The District 4/5A cross country tournament, a meet the Cavemen and Cavegirls have been preparing for since day one of the 2026 season, will get underway Friday, October 30, in Clovis. The Cavemen, who have made huge strides throughout the year, have high hopes of grabbing this year’s District 4/5A championship and more. “Our boys have really improved this year, and right now they’re peaking out at the right time,” said CHS head coach Michael Sims. “If they perfo

By Don Eskins It was a game they needed to win, and win they did! The Carlsbad Cavemen, on a mission to grab a first-round playoff game in this year’s state tournament, not only won, but dominated the fourth-ranked Las Cruces Bulldawgs 30-17 in Las Cruces on Friday night, October 23. In a total team effort, the Cavemen held the vaunted Las Cruces offense to just 217 total yards, while collecting 324 of their own en route to the victory—a victory that elevated them from a No.

By Don Eskins Who would have thunk it?! With one game remaining on their gridiron schedule, the Carlsbad Cavemen have a realistic shot at reeling in their ultimate goal of the season: hosting a first-round game in this year’s state playoffs. Following last week’s October 23, 30-17 victory over the No. 4-ranked Las Cruces Bulldawgs in the City of Crosses, the Cavemen, who entered the game ranked eighth, have vaulted to the No. 5 spot in this week’s October 25-30 MaxPreps poll

The following four individuals received special recognition at this year’s Carlsbad Mayor’s Energy Summit. Alicia Smith, Chevron HSE Specialist Nominated by Beverly Allen I am pleased to nominate Alicia Smith for the Spirit of the Workforce recognition. Since beginning her oil and gas career in 2009 as a North Texas lease operator, she has advanced professionally while raising three children as a single mother. Alicia joined Chevron in 2019, became a Workforce Safety Specia

By Jeff Campbell, Carlsbad Department of Development When a new business is announced in Carlsbad, there is understandably a lot of excitement, especially when it is a restaurant, retailer, or service residents have wanted for years. But what happens when the announcement isn’t a brand-new name? Sometimes the reaction is different. Why do we need another one? Don’t we already have that business? Those are fair questions. From an economic development perspective, a company cho

By R. Gabriel Villalobos The Carlsbad Road Runners are gearing up for the second annual Ocotillo Trail Endurance Challenge (OTEC), an event that offers something a little different for local runners. The race is set for November 7 at 8 a.m. and features a unique time-based format rather than a traditional distance race. All categories start at 8 a.m. at the Southeast New Mexico College parking lot, with runners attempting to complete as many laps as possible on a scenic trail