top of page
All Articles
LIVING AN EXCEPTIONAL LIFE #82
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
Dec 3, 20253 min read
Book Clubs Provide Meaningful Connection
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
Dec 3, 20252 min read
Book Recommendations for All Ages
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
Dec 3, 20252 min read


Devon Energy Raises Money to Support Hunger Relief Across New Mexico and West Texas
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
Dec 3, 20251 min read


From Windfall to Woes: Caverns Closure Creates Ripple Effect for Carlsbad Businesses
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
Dec 3, 20253 min read


Where Are They Now… Life After High School for Two Ladies of the Class of ‘62
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
Dec 3, 20253 min read


Grand Opening of Legislative District Office a Hit
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
Dec 3, 20253 min read


Skin Health: Tips for Winter
By Michele Robertson Winter is upon us, and with it come changes in temperature, recreational activities, and festivities. Fewer daylight hours don’t mean we can skip sunscreen or moisturizer; rather, we should adapt our skin care routine to nature’s whims. Consulting with Jayce and Leslie Rodriguez, owners of Desert Bloom Dermatology in Carlsbad, provided some tips on keeping one’s skin healthy all winter long. Skin tends to feel drier in the winter months, Jayce explains, “
Dec 3, 20252 min read


Eddy County Commission Approves RFP for Construction of New Detention Center
During Tuesday’s Commission Meeting on November 18, the Eddy County Board of County Commissioners approved the Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit competitive bids from qualified firms for the construction of a new Eddy County Detention Center. The project will be located at 1501 Corrales Drive in Carlsbad, New Mexico. The current detention center was constructed in 1993, then reconstructed in 2002 and again in 2012 to extend the life of the building. Despite these updates
Nov 24, 20252 min read


Strength to Strategy: Creating Connections, Building Our Community
By Jeff Campbell, Director of Marketing and Business Development, CDOD Economic development is one of those things everyone hears about, but few ever get to see up close. Most of the work happens behind the scenes, before a groundbreaking or a ribbon-cutting, and long before a new restaurant or industry ever puts up a sign. Yet these small, unseen decisions shape the future of Carlsbad and Eddy County for decades. That’s why the Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD) is la
Nov 24, 20252 min read


ConocoPhillips Small Biz Builder Graduates Make Presentations
By Misty Cryer The ConocoPhillips Small Biz Builder program, an initiative to strengthen communities, is designed to accelerate the time to launch and scale businesses for both aspiring entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs in the early stages of business. A graduation ceremony for the program was held on Wednesday, November 19, at Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) for the 2025 class. Graduates were given the opportunity to deliver business pitches and network with other busines
Nov 24, 20253 min read
Reflections of Gratitude
By Michele Robertson This time of year brings about reflections of gratitude as Thanksgiving and the holiday season approach. Family and community top the list of individuals polled about what they’re grateful for at this moment in their lives. “My ability to dance,” Shannon N. “Education and the opportunity to make a difference in my community,” Sarah J. “Kids! And parenting,” Andie B. “The ability to stay home and homeschool my kids and everything God has graced me and my c
Nov 24, 20253 min read
bottom of page







