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Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) and the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NMT) have officially signed an articulation agreement that expands academic opportunities for students across New Mexico. The new partnership creates a seamless transfer pathway for SENMC graduates to continue their education toward bachelor’s degrees at NMT, one of the state’s most prestigious science and engineering institutions. At the signing ceremony, held at the SENMC campus, Tit

By R. Gabriel Villalobos For the first time in two decades, the baton for the Carlsbad Wind Symphony’s annual holiday concert will be wielded by a new pair of hands. But for those in the ensemble, the face leading them will be a familiar one. Melanie McDowell, a local band director and a decade-long veteran of the community ensemble, has stepped into the role of director following the retirement of Paul Cosand last spring. She will make her directorial debut at the symphony’s

By Michele Robertson Area mail carrier Stephen Austin was recently added to the United States Postal Service (USPS) Million Mile Club. Admittance to this club requires either 30 years of service to the USPS or a million miles of safe driving for the USPS. Austin’s calculations for his total number of miles driven in his 30-year tenure as a mail carrier in Carlsbad are over 800,000 miles; he also walks eight miles a day. “It is an impressive accomplishment because it requires

By Misty Cryer The Carlsbad Combat Wrestling Club hosted Chaos at the Cave, a New Mexico Junior Wrestling tournament, at Carlsbad High School at the end of November. The event drew over 400 wrestlers from all over New Mexico and West Texas, with over 50 from Carlsbad competing. The individual results for Carlsbad Combat wrestlers reflected multiple placements, with the local team placing third in the tournament. Three out of four outstanding wrestler awards went to Carlsbad C

By Misty Cryer Christmas on the Pecos is well underway, with many locals and tourists enjoying boat rides down the Pecos River to check out the amazing display of lights and delighting in the events and enhancements added over the years that make this a uniquely incredible experience. The First Flume Flight has been added to this year’s events, with special features that collectors, photographers, and balloon enthusiasts will appreciate. The sunrise flight is set for December

By Rhonda Jones So, we have Thanksgiving behind us and on to Christmas. I hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving and tried some of the recipes leading up to Thanksgiving. It is hard to stay compliant when we are faced with so many foods that we cannot eat. It is always best to find out what will be served before you go to a dinner or party and then bring some food that you can enjoy if you are concerned about what you can eat. I watch the Hallmark Christmas movies regularly this ti

By Sarah Jones, Library Director, Carlsbad Public Library There’s something undeniably magical about a group of people sitting in a circle, holding books that are well-loved and well-worn, ready to discuss the stories that have captivated them. Book clubs are far more than just scheduled reading—they are little sanctuaries where stories leap off the page, perspectives expand, and friendships are forged. In a world that moves quickly and often isolates, book clubs provide spac

By Sarah Jones, Carlsbad Public Library One question librarians wish they heard more often is: “Can you recommend a good book?” Whether you’re young or young at heart, there’s always something magical about discovering a story that speaks to you. With so many books to choose from, it can be helpful to have a few recommendations tailored to different age groups. Here’s a list of engaging reads for everyone in the family—from toddlers to adults—perfect for your next visit to th

Devon Energy employees presented more than $239,000 to local nonprofits working to strengthen food security across the region. Representatives from each organization joined employees for check presentations, highlighting a shared commitment to supporting families in need. The contributions benefit a wide range of community partners, including Carlsbad Community Foundation for Packs of Hunger, Chaves County United Way, Cissy Food Ministry, Community Kitchen Inc., Eddy County

By R. Gabriel Villalobos The recent 35-day federal shutdown that shuttered Carlsbad Caverns National Park created a starkly different set of challenges for local businesses, serving as a case study in how a community adapts when its main economic engine suddenly goes quiet. For some, the closure from early October until November 22 was an unexpected boon. For others, it was a severe financial blow, highlighting the precarious position of small businesses in the shadow of a na

By Misty Cryer Doris Ella Boyd Harrison and Maria E. Sarabia Oliver, both from Carlsbad High School’s Class of ‘62, recently shared their stories of life after high school. According to The Echo, Carlsbad High School’s yearbook for the 1961-1962 school year, Doris Boyd participated in FHA (Future Homemakers of America), the DE Club (DECA), and was part of the Pow Wow staff. A photo in the DE Club section of the yearbook shows her working at the Phaff Sewing Center. Doris was

By Misty Cryer Droves of people showed up to the grand opening of the Legislative District Office for District 55, represented by New Mexico State Representative Cathrynn Brown, on Monday, November 24. The spacious office suite in the Eddy County Courthouse was packed with supporters and constituents as the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors assisted with the ribbon-cutting. The opening event was held from noon to 4 p.m., allowing attendees to visit with Rep. Brown and