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Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) is proud to recognize its Mountain Lion Student of the Month, an honor established to celebrate students who embody the college’s core values. The Mountain Lion Student of the Month program was created to promote a culture of excellence, encourage active student engagement, and recognize outstanding achievements in academics, leadership, and community involvement. All currently enrolled SENMC students in good academic standing are eligible

By Sarah Jones, Carlsbad Public Library There is something timeless about holding a well-bound book. The creak of the spine, the texture of the cover, and the carefully stitched pages offer a sensory experience that digital media can’t replicate. Yet behind every beautifully bound volume lies an intricate and centuries-old craft: bookbinding. It’s not only an art form but a way of preserving history, allowing stories, knowledge, and culture to be passed down through generatio

By Michael Bromka Veteran José Aldas, age 92, enlisted in the USMC in the spring of 1953. He’d grown up farming in Eddy County. “It was rough, nine of us in a poor family. Dad was a hard worker with no schooling. During harvest, we able-bodied kids got pulled out of school into fieldwork for months,” he said. Leaving school to enlist as a Marine was no issue for José. The Korean Conflict had gone badly for the US. The Chinese were backing up the North Koreans, driving allied

“Keep Moving Forward” Carlsbad’s Daughters of the American Revolution chapter is a proud sponsor of Wreaths Across America (WAA), the national nonprofit whose year-long mission is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom. This year’s theme is “Keep Moving Forward.” Each year, millions of volunteers and patriots gather in local, state, and national cemeteries across all 50 states and abroad to pay tribute to area service members an

By R. Gabriel Villalobos This month, after 27 years on the board, the Carlsbad Public Library says goodbye to its president, Robert Chavez. He leaves his role as board president after leading the board in a number of achievements over the years, including the development of a number of programs that serve the community in ways beyond what most might think of when they talk about libraries. Chavez addressed a gathering in his honor. “I got my first library card in 1963; that’s

By Misty Cryer Two gentlemen, Glenn R. Heard Sr. and Mark Miller, from Carlsbad High School’s Class of ’62, recently shared their stories of life after high school. Glenn said he was born and raised in Carlsbad and has enjoyed all of his years here. Swimming in the Pecos was among his favorite memories of growing up in Carlsbad. Like many Carlsbad natives, he said he lived away while pursuing an education and developing a career before returning to his hometown in 1981, where

By Misty Cryer Members of the Assistance League of Carlsbad are busy preparing for their annual Christmas Tree Auction, a fundraiser that helps them provide much-needed services to communities in Eddy County. Prior to the auction, interested buyers can attend an open house for a sneak peek of what will be up for bid. The open house is scheduled for November 9 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., with the Christmas Tree Auction beginning at 6 p.m. on November 14. Both events are at the Assi

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to focus on lifestyle and risk factors associated with breast cancer, as well the importance of breast cancer screening. Mammogram screenings are the best way for women to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before there are symptoms. However, according to the CDC, at least 25% of women ages 50-74 have not been screened for breast cancer in the past two years. Carlsbad Medical Center is scheduling m

By Sarah Jones Libraries have long been seen as places of knowledge, discovery, and community. But beyond books and research, they also play an important role in promoting mental health and well-being. In an era where stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges are increasingly common, libraries offer a unique and accessible space for people to find comfort, resources, and support. Libraries as Safe Spaces For many, the library serves as a refuge—a quiet place where individ

By Hattie Quinn (aired on KCCC930 AM on October 16, 2025) And now for “Something I Spotted in Carlsbad,” my personal reflection from around town. Last week, I took the Introduction to Podcasting class on a field trip to the candidate forum for Carlsbad local elections hosted by the Women for a Better Carlsbad and the Carlsbad Local and held at SENMC. RedRocket Media recorded the forum and live-streamed it on Facebook, where it can be watched in its entirety on their pages or

Eddy County Fire & Rescue Chief Joshua Mack has been named Fire Chief of the Year by the New Mexico Fire & EMS Expo. Chief Mack received the award during the annual event held in Socorro, New Mexico, on Saturday, October. 11. The award recognizes Chief Mack’s exemplary leadership, dedication to fire safety and emergency medical services, and his significant contributions to improving the preparedness and response capabilities of Eddy County Fire & Rescue. Under his guidance,

By R. Gabriel Villalobos With the cool weather setting such a fine mood at the beginning of each day, it can be easy to overlook the problems of the moment. On a beautiful Sunday morning, Eric Leudendorf was enjoying some coffee at Starbucks with his wife and kids. A casual conversation turned to the all too familiar topic of problems at work. WIPP (Waste Isolation Pilot Plant) is where radioactive waste from nuclear research and weapons development is stored. It’s a deep geo