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By Sarah Jones, Library Director, Carlsbad Public Library When people think of libraries, they often imagine quiet rows of books, whispered conversations, and the gentle rustle of turning pages. But today’s libraries are so much more than repositories of information—they are vibrant, welcoming community hubs that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people they serve. At the heart of a library’s mission is connection. While books remain an essential part of our services,

The New Mexico Recycling Coalition (NMRC) is pleased to announce that Mary Garwood of Carlsbad is the Recycler of the Year as part of the 2025 New Mexico Recycling Awards. Garwood, City of Carlsbad Beautification Coordinator and City Councilor, is recognized as New Mexico’s 2025 Recycler of the Year for her outstanding leadership in sustainability. Mary has spearheaded Carlsbad’s recent single-use plastic bag ban ordinance, launched new recycling initiatives, and has continua

Thirty-three Carlsbad middle school students traveled to Albuquerque on November 8 to compete in the 2025 New Mexico Middle School Mock Trial Program at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Courthouse, with PR Leyva’s Team YT bringing home top honors. Team YT earned the prestigious Mock Trial Excellence Award for exceptional teamwork, preparation, and participation, competing against 36 teams from across the state. PR Leyva student Aaliyah Gonzalez also captured third place ove

Carlsbad Medical Center and the Pecos Valley Physician Group are pleased to welcome Urologist Mitchell Petty, D.O., to Carlsbad. Dr. Petty earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biomedical science from Texas A&M University. He then went on to earn his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth, TX, and completed a general surgery internship and urology residency at LSU Health Science Center in New Orleans, LA. “Urology care has been a h

By Kyle Marksteiner “Trailer broke down in El Paso ” Amelia’s text came through right as we reached the outskirts of El Paso. We were headed to the Tournament of Bands in Las Cruces to watch Carlsbad High School’s competitive performance of “Into the Cosmos.” My first thought was “Oh, now what?” The trailer, which carried all of the Carlsbad High School Band and Color Guard’s essential equipment—drums, tubas, flags, as well as assorted space/cosmos background décor—stalled o

By Michele Robertson The nation is currently experiencing the longest government shutdown in history, and local tourism is taking a hit as national parks remain closed. Having Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Carlsbad’s backyard, and the close proximity to White Sands National Park and Big Bend National Park, normally provide outdoor enthusiasts and national park lovers with a variety of choices when planning an adventure. Access to nati

By Misty Cryer The 575 Law Group has been the talk of the town this month as they handed out turkeys to express gratitude to the community in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the firm. The founder of the law firm, Roxanne Rodriguez Leach, better known as Rocky, is a native of Carlsbad. “I was born and raised in Carlsbad; all of my family is here,” said Rocky. She said she graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1993. “I got my undergrad from New Mexico State, then I went

By Misty Cryer Cavemen Trap and Skeet Team is a competitive shooting team composed of middle and high school shooters from Carlsbad and Artesia. With success on their biggest fundraiser of the year, supportive parents, dedicated kids, and coaches, and one competition under their belt this season, it looks like they are off to a good start. “Our season started in September,” said Coach Mark Hamel. “We have already participated in one zone shooting in Roswell, which was in Octo

By R. Gabriel Villalobos Lakeview Christian Home has been awarded the prestigious Silver Award by the American Health Care Association, placing the local nonprofit among the elite long-term care facilities in the country. The award is part of a rigorous, three-tiered quality program based on the Malcolm Baldridge criteria, and for CEO Jody Knox and her team, it validates a years-long commitment to innovative, compassionate care—a commitment they are now channeling into an amb

By Michael Bromka Debbie and Richard Pinching of LVSG (Low Vision Support Group) ask everyone to spread the word about the monthly group meeting for anyone fretting about dimming eyesight. Including Ann Halford, Damacio Fuentes, and Michael Bromka, LVSG enjoys a bimonthly field trip. They recently visited the Carlsbad Municipal Museum’s exhibition of artwork by Roderick Mead. City Historian Jameson Lucas served as a docent, well-versed in the famous artist’s oils, watercolors

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Kent Leslie, 75, on October 20, 2025, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Jim was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, whose kindness, quick wit, and unwavering love touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. Born December 3, 1949, in Clovis, New Mexico to Kent and Audrey Leslie. The family moved to Carlsbad, NM before he started school and he graduated from Carlsbad Senior High School

By Sarah Jones, Library Director of the Carlsbad Public Library There’s a special kind of magic that happens when we open a book. The words on the page act like a spark, igniting our imagination and inviting us into worlds far beyond our everyday experience. Whether it’s a fantastical tale, a moving memoir, or a quiet poem, reading has the unique power to inspire creativity—not just in children, but in readers of all ages. At its core, reading is an act of co-creation. Author