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By Don Eskins When the Cavemen soccer team storms the field against the Santa Teresa Desert Warriors on Monday, August 17, in Santa Teresa, they’ll be under the leadership of new head coach Aaron Babcock. Babcock, who inherits a team that posted a record of 3-15 last year, has been teaching English I and U.S. History at CHS for the past three years. Prior to coming to the Cavern City, he enjoyed 25 years of successful coaching and teaching in Texas. Despite Carlsbad’s showing

By Don Eskins The Cavemen offense rode the arm of junior quarterback Marley Munoz, the hands of senior wide receiver Robert Castenada, and the legs of junior running back Brock Wright all the way to the New Mexico state playoff quarterfinals in 2025. Overall, CHS posted a record of 6-6, the offense put up 35 points against the highly regarded Rio Rancho Rams in a 35-13 victory during the first round of state tournament play, and they closed out the year as the Class 6A’s eigh

During June, July, and August, few major leaguers have hurled a baseball better than former Caveman Trevor Rogers. And since stepping up big this summer, his fortunes with the Baltimore Orioles have exploded. Following a slow start earlier this season, he’s posted an eye-catching ERA of just 2.28 with 60 strikeouts through 67 innings of mound duty during the summer months. As a result of his improved play, trade rumors due to his slow start have been put to rest as the Oriole

After an extensive search, Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) has announced four finalists for the position of Vice President of Workforce Development and Community Engagement. The finalists are Dr. Jennifer Schroeder, Chris Spaulding, Samuel Soliman, and Dr. David Campbell. The finalists will visit SENMC throughout August as part of the final stage of the search process. Each finalist will participate in an open forum, providing community members, faculty, staff, and stude

For over 25 years, Angela Baca, Director of Radiation Oncology at Carlsbad Medical Center, has dedicated her career to helping patients and families navigate cancer treatment and recovery. While her role has always centered on supporting others, a rare cancer diagnosis at age 48 gave her a new perspective on the patient experience. For the first time, she wasn’t the caregiver; she was the patient. Having worked in oncology for more than two decades, Angela understood the road

Nearly 175 community leaders, business professionals, elected officials, family members, and friends gathered recently as Lakeview Christian Home to honor CEO Jody Knox for 50 years of faithful service to the organization and the residents she has dedicated her life to serving. The elegant evening brought together representatives from throughout southeastern New Mexico, including State Representative Catherine Brown, Eddy County officials, members of the Carlsbad City Council

By Don Eskins Cavegirl soccer, following a disappointing 4-13-2 season in 2025, has been working hard during off-season workouts in hopes of righting their ship this year. CHS’s girls will take the first step toward achieving that goal against the Lovington Wildcats in Lovington on Tuesday, August 18. The JVs will take the field first at 4 p.m., followed by the varsity at 6 p.m. The Wildcats, who experienced a season almost identical to CHS during 2025, posted a record of 4-1

Stepping Up for the Needs of Others By Rhonda Jones When I met the three gentlemen who are currently doing transportation for veterans in Eddy and Lea counties, I was impressed with their genuine concern for others. The three, Norbert Rimpe, Armando Luna, and Hiram “Hy” Laird, are all veterans and want to give back to fellow veterans who are unable to get themselves to doctor appointments or even to the airport. They do not drive just for medical appointments; they also want

Salado Isolation Mining Contractors, LLC (SIMCO) announced today the company is now accepting grant proposals from non-profit agencies throughout Eddy and Lea Counties for its 2026 Employee Investment Advisory Committee program. The program is now in its fourth year. In 2025, the program awarded $75,000 in grants to eleven nonprofit organizations to enrich the lives of people in Southeast New Mexico. The program’s 2026 funding priorities are: • Arts & Culture/Community Vitali

By R. Gabriel Villalobos Seventy four years ago this month, a local photographer set a world record that still stands today. And city historian Jameson Lucas said it’s a piece of Carlsbad history that deserves another look. The photograph, taken by Tex Helm in August 1952, remains the Guinness World Record holder for the largest flash photograph ever taken. Helm, a Texas transplant who had previously documented Admiral Byrd’s Antarctic expeditions, settled in Carlsbad and bec

By Misty Cryer For the second year in a row, Colette Christian was awarded a $50,000 scholarship by Partners in Heart Health at the recent scholar reception. This scholarship is different than most because it isn’t limited to tuition and books. It can be used to help with the cost of living, making it more possible for returning students to pursue higher education in healthcare. Colette was born and raised in Carlsbad. She said she moved away to go to college in Texas, later