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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

Eddy County is proud to announce the appointment of Teanna Romero as the new Executive Administrative Assistant to County Manager Mike Gallagher. This appointment marks an internal promotion for Romero, who has grown within Eddy County over the past five years, spending the last four serving in the County Manager’s Administration Department. Throughout her time with Eddy County, Teanna has built a reputation for her strong work ethic, professionalism, and commit ment to servi

By Rhonda Jones We have definitely entered the season of food, drink, and merriment. And most of it does not include a plant-exclusive diet, so what does a plant-eater do? I did offer some suggestions in my last column. One of the best things to do is to cook your own food and make dishes that bring joy to your life. Lots of traditional recipes can be plant-exclusive recipes with just a few alterations to ingredients. My first holiday season was a challenge after I decided to

By Misty Cryer Operation Hope has been providing Thanksgiving meals to families in need in the community for years. The 2025 Operation Hope Thanksgiving Food Drive began on November 1, and items will be collected until November 21. The deadline to apply for a basket is November 12. “This is our 24th year,” said Terri Judah, organizer of the food drive. Donations of canned and non-perishable food can be dr opped off at any of the schools, Constructor’s, Champion X, or Financia

By Misty Cryer Many locals have fond memories of performances and events at the Walter Gerrells Performing Arts Center, commonly called the Civic Center in Carlsbad. Carlsbad Live, LLC, one of Curtis McKinney’s companies, recently resumed management of the city-owned facility. The company’s vision is to make it the entertainment hub it once was, while serving the current population and honoring the facility’s cultural importance to the town. Prior to the COVID pandemic, Curti

By Michael Bromka Veterans Day honors those who return—fortuitously intact or woefully wounded—from serving in our Armed Forces. On the eleventh minute of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, Armistice was called in what then was The Great War. Later, the War to End All Wars was numbered and eclipsed by the horrors of WWII. Boomers who served in Vietnam had parents who survived World War II. Still among the residents of Carlsbad—still thriving—is one whose

Editor’s note: The following individuals were selected as the recipients of this year’s “Spirit of the Workforce” awards, honored at the Mayor’s Energy Summit on October 23. Aaron Burton, Integrity Engineer Lead ExxonMobil Nominated by Scott Buechler In addition to his leadership at ExxonMobil, Aaron has shown time and again his steadfast commitment to the community he calls home. Aaron is always the first to volunteer at events—whether it be for the United Way or for student

By Rhonda Jones It is that time again. The days are shorter, and a crispness is in the air. Hallmark has started the Christmas movies, and that always makes me ready to get in the kitchen to bake cookies and drink hot chocolate. But let’s face it. This is also the hardest time of the year to be plant-based. All the goodies are everywhere, and nothing is remotely healthy or free of animal products. Many just go ahead and indulge and pay for it in January. I have never been one

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