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By Jeff Campbell, Director of Marketing and Business Development Carlsbad Department of Development Planning in economic development requires sound strategy. Many factors play a role in determining which businesses are recruited and how efforts are directed to maximize results. What often goes unnoticed are the many tools used behind the scenes to formulate strategies that can be carried out through actionable plans. Focusing on Recruitment People often look around Carlsbad a

By R. Gabriel Villalobos Rockabilly veterans The Booze Bombs are gearing up for a tour of the sun-bleached towns and neon-lit cities of the American Southwest. They’re coming in from Germany, but this isn’t their first rodeo. Their rockabilly odyssey stretches back 20 years! Having toured all over Europe, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Croatia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Austria, the UK, Canada, and Australia, there’s a special place in their hearts for

By Misty Cryer Events that include a night out in Carlsbad are often tied to a worthy cause. This is true for Casino Night, hosted by Partners in Heart Health, a fun-filled evening coming up that features dinner, drinks, games, and prizes to benefit the local non-profit organization. Casino Night is scheduled for 6:30-9:30 p.m. on February 21 in the Carousel House of the Pecos River Village Conference Center, 711 Muscatel Ave. “The idea is to raise money and to also have fun,

By Misty Cryer Since 2020, Shawna Hicks has been sharing healthy tools and techniques with others to help them align their energy and cope with the everyday stresses of life. She started online part-time before having a physical space and began offering services at a local spa in March of last year. She recently achieved her dream of having a bigger space downtown where she can hold sessions, classes, and events. Aligned Energy Healing is now located at 217 S. Canyon St. in C

By Rhonda Jones How are the New Year’s resolutions going? Most of us make a commitment for the new year to get fitter and healthier. About three weeks into January, those resolutions are usually abandoned. I can relate to this because it often happens to me. Actually, I don’t usually get a good start until February. This year is no exception for me, as I have been out of town more than in town this month. Traveling is always a challenge, especially when you are meeting frien

By Sarah Jones, Library Director, Carlsbad Public Library Public libraries have always been champions of lifelong learning. From story times that spark a love of reading in preschoolers to research databases that support college students, we strive to connect people of all ages with the resources they need to grow. One of the most exciting tools available to our patrons is Educate Station—a comprehensive, ready-to-use homeschool curriculum designed for children in pre-K throu

Submitted By Antonia Robledo The Terri Able Carlsbad Community Kitchen and volunteers have once again successfully shared their dedication and hard work to serve our community during the holidays; we had a great turnout providing 50-plus meals to patrons in Carlsbad. December 5 is recognized as “International Volunteer Day,” where we celebrate volunteers who devote their time and energy to serve in their communities. The Carlsbad Community Kitchen has just that, a group of v

By Misty Cryer Keith Pearson and Dwight Pitcaithley had a lot in common in their high school years. According to the yearbook for their senior year, both were part of the Caveman Band, All State Band, and Mummers, and participated in the junior and senior class plays. Pearson was also in the Science Club, Spanish Club, and National Honor Society, while Pitcaithley was part of the Key Club and the High School Band of America. After high school, Pearson said he went to New Mexi

By Misty Cryer As a wife, mother of three, cosmetologist by trade, and an artist, Makayla Cardona enjoys staying active in the community. She is excited to share her passion for art as the instructor of the upcoming series of acrylic painting classes offered through the Community Education Department at Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC). The Community Education schedule for Spring 2026, published on the college website, says, “This acrylic class is designed to help student

By R. Gabriel Villalobos What began as a pandemic-era project in the closet of a Carlsbad native is now blossoming into a sought-after New Mexican beverage brand. Joshua McDowell, founder of Dark Stranger Meadery, is translating a six-year-old hobby into a growing business, one small batch at a time. McDowell’s journey into the ancient craft of mead-making—creating alcohol from fermented honey—started, like many modern endeavors, on YouTube. “I came across a YouTube channel w

By Kevin Beardmore, Ed.D., President, Southeast New Mexico College Before I arrived at Southeast New Mexico College, I was a vice president of student affairs for 15 years. In the many orientations where I presented to audiences of students and families during that time, my remarks were centered around the choices that new students would soon be making. I explained that one of the primary aims of a college education was understanding and owning those decisions, because we are

By Rhonda Jones ]The big buzz in the world of health lately has been the new food pyramid. Some people love and others hate it. Why should it matter? Well, the food pyramid is used by schools, hospitals, prisons, and many other establishments to prepare healthy meals. So, if the food pyramid does not recommend healthy food, that is not good. While I am not delighted with the new pyramid, I do see some good recommendations. The best recommendation is to cut down on or eliminat