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By Sarah Jones, Carlsbad Public Library Every year, readers across the country set goals to read more—sometimes joining a “52 Books in 52 Weeks” challenge, tracking progress on Goodreads, or checking off themed prompts like “a book set in another country” or “a book with a blue cover.” Reading challenges have become a fun and motivating way to stay engaged with books, but they’re also about rediscovering the joy of reading itself. Whether you’re hoping to reignite a lapsed re

By Michael Bromka Bernie Sanchez of Loving has worked and served in Carlsbad for decades. But fundamental to his identity was his duty to God and country during the war in Vietnam. Luck was with Bernie during his service. He grew up in Truth or Consequences, NM. Not long after high school graduation, he got word of his draft notice while traveling in Arizona. He showed up for his physical at Fort Ord, CA. “A sergeant looked at us men lined up and said, ‘You five that way, are

By R. Gabriel Villalobos As spring awakens across the high desert, something is taking root behind the Carlsbad Public Library. A fledgling community garden, spearheaded by volunteer Shiloh McCollum and supported by the library’s assistant director Michele Robertson, is preparing for its debut season—one that they hope will eventually yield not just tomatoes and arugula, but a deeper sense of connection. For McCollum, who moved to Carlsbad just last November, gardening is har

Southeast New Mexico College has received a 2025 Paragon Award from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) at the council's national conference in March in Washington, D.C. The award for logo wear celebrates the college's marketing team for its work on the SENMC button-up shirt sold in the SENMC bookstore. The short-sleeve button-up shirt features an all-over graphic print inspired by our diverse and desert landscapes in Southeast New Mexico. The des

By Kyle Marksteiner Without a miracle or two, this year’s “Class Act” celebration may be the organization’s final act. In the spring of 1989, five Carlsbad High School seniors lost their lives to alcohol-related accidents, many of them related to graduation celebrations. The following year, community members rallied to try to prevent such an unthinkable tragedy from occurring again. They established a post-graduation event aimed at providing a safe, alcohol-free way to celebr

By Misty Cryer Discount Tire is a reputable tire and wheel retailer with stores across the nation. On a warm day in early spring, March 30, the Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to open the development project on the south side of Carlsbad, at 4015 National Parks Highway, the future home of Discount Tire. Community members, including representatives of the City of Carlsbad and the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, joined in welcoming the D

By Misty Cryer Carlsbad Elks Lodge No. 1558 is hosting an inaugural event that is open to the public. The event, “If It Has Wheels” Swap Meet, will be held at the Carlsbad Elks Lodge, 1558 Elks Drive, on April 25 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. This buy, sell, or trade event will feature anything on wheels, related parts, and tools for projects, and accessories, including collectibles. Food will be available, and vendor spots are currently available. The idea for this event began small

By Sarah Jones, Library Director, Carlsbad Public Library Libraries have always been more than buildings filled with books. They are places where people come together—to learn, to connect, and to belong. In every town and city, the public library quietly serves as one of the strongest foundations for community building. At their core, libraries embody accessibility and inclusion. They welcome everyone, regardless of age, background, or income. A library card is often the firs

Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) is proud to announce its highly anticipated STEAM Expo and Open House, taking place on campus on April 23 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. This year, the college is elevating the experience by combining two signature events into one immersive and interactive celebration of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. With a creative “Open Map Game” theme, attendees will be invited to explore the campus like never before. Participants can n

By Rhonda Jones I have heard all of my life that milk builds strong bones and should be consumed every day. Now, after being plant-based for 17 years, my bones should be dust. Well, as it turns out, we may have been getting inaccurate information for a long time. According to archeologists, humans have been drinking milk for at least 9,000 years based on examination of ancient pottery shards found in Turkey. The shards contained traces of milk fats, suggesting it could have b

The United Way of Eddy County’s Cinco De Mayo Golf Tournament has been an important part of the local nonprofit’s annual fundraising effort for some time. Now, thanks to a partnership with ConocoPhillips, the UWEC’s festive three-person scramble will allow the nonprofit to add multiple scholarships aimed at supporting workforce development across Eddy County. This year’s tournament takes place on May 2 at the Riverside Country Club in Carlsbad, with ConocoPhillips serving as

By Michael Bromka Carlsbad Heights Lion (and ramp foreman) Tom Dugger is pleased to have finished a job in Loving last Saturday. And he’s glad to have begun a deck (plus soon a ramp) in Carlsbad on the same morning. On 4th Street in Loving, Tom and others had crewed for foreman Danny Palmer of nmramp.org on Saturday, January 10. For homeowner Moses Palomino, they’d built a long ramp off a high deck. However, there was no railing to finish off. “My funding and duty are to buil