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Libraries grow and thrive when they reflect the needs, goals, and voices of the communities they serve. As our community continues to change, it is important that the library plans thoughtfully for the future. That is why we are beginning the process of building our next strategic plan—and why your input is essential. A strategic plan is a roadmap that guides the library’s priorities over the next several years. It helps determine how we use our resources, what services we ex

By Dr. Kevin Beardmore While I was in college, the Berlin wall fell and the Soviet Union dissolved. As a child of the Cold War, these were heady times. It was incredibly satisfying to experience the triumph of democratic capitalism over communism. Lately it seems that some are reconsidering this conclusion.  Watching the rise of China, they are thinking that its mashup of capitalism and authoritarianism may be a winning strategy.  They would be wrong. It is true that elemen

By Misty Cryer Rumble on the Pecos, a car show hosted by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, took place June 5-6. It included a cruise, a movie showing of American Graffiti at the Cavern Theatre, vendors, judging, and an awards ceremony. As with all car shows, fun was had, awards were given, bragging rights were granted, but for the Judah family, things were a bit different. The family of the late Lynne Judah entered his fully restored 1955 Chevrolet, which took first place wit

By Don Eskins Cavegirls Katrina Ortega and Mari Reyes have been recognized by the New Mexico High School Coaches Association for their outstanding play during the 2026 prep softball season. The NMHSCA recently named Ortega to its Class 5A All-State Second Team as a pitcher. Reyes received All-State Honorable Mention as an infielder. Both Ortega and Reyes played key roles for the Cavegirls this past season. Inside the circle, Ortega posted a record of 7-8 with an ERA of just 2

By Misty Cryer Inspired by Science hosted its reputable STEM Summer Camp at Southeast New Mexico Community College (SENMC) earlier this month. The day camp is for kids aged seven to 12. The excitement of the camp can be shared with the campers’ families for two nights during camp week, making for fun, educational experiences for all. Tanner Walterscheid attended the camp for the second time this year. “Last year, we signed him up for the first time because he hit the age limi

By Don Eskins With the Cavemen’s 11-2 loss to the Cleveland Storm in the semifinal round of the state baseball tournament on Friday, May 15, the 2025-26 sports calendar at CHS officially came to an end. And what a year it was! So, Carlsbad, let’s hit some of the high spots! CHS Fall Sports Slate 2025 The Cavemen football team, after a two-year leave of absence, was invited back to the NMAA’s State Football Playoffs. And for the first time in 15 years, they delivered! Unde

By Christina Mann, Wildlife Biologist Here in Eddy County, the two nights of soaking rain in early June 2026 were slightly unusual but very welcome. However, those rains signaled the official start of mosquito season. Flying with their annoying whine, they are most active at dawn or dusk. Only female mosquitoes produce the characteristic whining sound when they fly, as it is related to their wing-beat frequency. Male mosquitoes do not make this sound. People rightfully swat a

By Sarah Jones, Library Director, Carlsbad Public Library When people think of the library, they often think of books—and while free access to books is a major benefit, it’s only the beginning. Recently, a local journalist stopped by the library to cover an event and mentioned that it was their first time ever setting foot in the building. During our conversation, they shared that they love to read but typically purchase all of their books. That moment sparked this column bec

By Don Eskins The 2026 gridiron season promises to bring with it yet another exciting year of prep football for Carlsbad High sports fans. Coming off a 6-6 season, a 35-13 upset victory over the sixth-seeded Rio Rancho Rams during first-round play of the state tournament, and a Class 6A No. 8 ranking in 2025, CHS’s hopes for a deep run into this year’s state playoffs couldn’t be higher. But, while CHS will see some new faces alongside this season’s returnees (with possibly a

By Misty Cryer CavernFest is a significant family-friendly festival in Carlsbad that has been a popular attraction since its inception. With free admission, live music, shopping opportunities, food and beverage vendors, and enjoyable activities, droves of people from far and near look forward to this exciting event hosted by Carlsbad MainStreet. CavernFest 2026 is set for June 12-13 and will be held at Lake Carlsbad Beach Park this year. With music being a main attraction, De

By Misty Cryer From first-time students to seasoned artists seeking new challenges and opportunities to exhibit their work, it is worth noting that the Carlsbad Area Art Association (CAAA) is dedicated to cultivating the arts in the community. Known for showcasing art, offering workshops and classes at The Artist Gallery, and organizing an annual juried show to highlight local talent, a new development is monthly juried art shows. Artists can submit entries for the first mont

By Don Eskins Seven Cavemen have been selected for All-District 4/5A honors for their efforts on the baseball diamond during 2026. Heading the list of CHS hardballers named to this year’s team was sophomore hurler Wade Cozart. Cozart, named as an All District First Team pitcher and Second Team infielder, was also named as the District 4/5A Player of the Year. Also receiving All-District honors were First Team: Jayden Carter, catcher, Connor Roberson, designated hitter, and EZ