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By R. Gabriel Villalobos On National Parks Highway, just past San Jose Boulevard, to the right on the property where there’s a Super 8 motel, an unassuming food truck parked off to the side is quietly becoming a local phenomenon. Edgar, whose family runs Birrieria Leo’s, still remembers a time when two orders in an eight-hour shift felt like a miracle. That was just three years ago. “It was that bad,” Edgar said, sitting in his truck. “We were ready to throw in the towel.” Th

By Misty Cryer Workforce development is a hot topic in Carlsbad. Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) has stepped up the game by developing workforce training classes, opening the SENMC Workforce Training Center @ the Formerly Joe Stanley Smith Elementary School, and publishing a Spring Catalog for Workforce Training. “Workforce Development is a little bit different than the academic side, where you go for an associate degree or a bachelor’s,” said Chris Spaulding, Interim Vi

Members of the Carlsbad Early College High School BPA chapter recently participated in the 2026 New Mexico BPA State Leadership Conference in Albuquerque, held February 19–21, 2026. Students competed in a variety of business and leadership events, demonstrating excellence in workplace skills, professionalism, and industry knowledge. There were over 620 student members who competed in 84 events over the conference. Of those members, only 280 students qualified to represent New

The Carlsbad High School chapter of Business Professionals of America has once again distinguished itself on the state’s stage in student leadership and career development—bringing home its seventh straight New Mexico BPA state championship. This achievement reflects consistency, commitment, and an exceptional culture of excellence. Unlike many competitions, the New Mexico Business Professionals of America State Championship is not determined by contest results alone. Chapter

By Misty Cryer Recognized in Carlsbad’s 40 Under 40 in 2024 and featured in a Teacher Spotlight published by the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association (NMOGA) in 2025, the community of Carlsbad is likely familiar with Hannah VanScotter, a local educator at Carlsbad High School. At the New Mexico Association for Career and Technical Education (NMACTE) Conference in January, VanScotter was named NMACTE Career Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year. “I will go on to the Regi

By Sarah Jones, Library Director, Carlsbad Public Library If you’ve visited the library lately, you may have noticed something remarkable: people are reading in more ways than ever before. Some browse the shelves for a classic hardcover, while others download the latest bestseller onto an e-reader or listen to an audiobook during their commute. This variety raises a question many readers ask: What is the future of books—print or digital? The truth is, both formats offer uniqu

By Michael Bromka Carlsbad Heights Lions ramp foreman Tom Dugger undertook three different projects on two consecutive Saturdays. Most recently, he and fellow volunteers built a modest wooden ramp on Valverde Street. Jay Francis helped Tom build a 2X4” understructure unit the day before. Fellow Heights Lions Michael Bromka, Bernie Sanchez, and Rick Wiedenmann joined them, plus ringer Bryan Burns, to unload lumber, pavers, and units to begin. Once they’d assembled the understr

Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) student and Phi Theta Kappa Chapter President Ciara Taff has officially been accepted as a candidate for International Vice President, Division IV, for Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges. She has begun her campaign to represent Division IV, which includes Alaska, Alberta, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, the

By Misty Cryer Prep is underway for “Dancing with the Eddy County Stars” of 2026. The lineup has been announced, and ticket sales, donations, and sponsorships are steadily rolling in to support the work United Way of Eddy County does to benefit the county’s residents and communities. This entertaining and impactful event is scheduled for March 20 at the Walter Gerrells Performing Arts and Exhibition Center. Cocktail Hour is from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., with the competition running

By Misty Cryer Garth Grizzle and Corina Yrigollen are not strangers to the Janell Whitlock Valentine’s Day Dinner and Dance. In 2024, they were crowned King and Queen. By popular vote, this now happily married couple was named King and Queen again at the fifth annual event held on Valentine’s Day this year at the Pecos River Conference Center. Hosted by the Age Friendly Communities Council of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, this event pays tribute to the late Janell Whitloc

By R. Gabriel Villalobos If you live in Carlsbad and own a dog, this might not come as a surprise to you, but after winter passes, you can expect to have to make your pet’s grooming appointments a month or two out. For one local groomer, Theresa Chism, that busy season is a familiar rhythm. While the wait might not be so long in the cooler months, she confirms, “as the weather warms up...a lot of people get booked out farther. We have a pretty high demand for dog groomers rig

By Misty Cryer William A. Brooks (aka Bill Brooks) was born and raised in Carlsbad, graduating from Carlsbad High School with the Class of 1968. He is well known in the community, primarily for his contributions to the performing arts, including music and theatre. From performing with his brother as The Brooks Brothers, to performing in and producing musicals, including The Promise, Brooks said, "We toured the world, had music hits, and performed for several million people."