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By Misty Cryer Keith Pearson and Dwight Pitcaithley had a lot in common in their high school years. According to the yearbook for their senior year, both were part of the Caveman Band, All State Band, and Mummers, and participated in the junior and senior class plays. Pearson was also in the Science Club, Spanish Club, and National Honor Society, while Pitcaithley was part of the Key Club and the High School Band of America. After high school, Pearson said he went to New Mexi

By Misty Cryer As a wife, mother of three, cosmetologist by trade, and an artist, Makayla Cardona enjoys staying active in the community. She is excited to share her passion for art as the instructor of the upcoming series of acrylic painting classes offered through the Community Education Department at Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC). The Community Education schedule for Spring 2026, published on the college website, says, “This acrylic class is designed to help student

By R. Gabriel Villalobos What began as a pandemic-era project in the closet of a Carlsbad native is now blossoming into a sought-after New Mexican beverage brand. Joshua McDowell, founder of Dark Stranger Meadery, is translating a six-year-old hobby into a growing business, one small batch at a time. McDowell’s journey into the ancient craft of mead-making—creating alcohol from fermented honey—started, like many modern endeavors, on YouTube. “I came across a YouTube channel w

By Kevin Beardmore, Ed.D., President, Southeast New Mexico College Before I arrived at Southeast New Mexico College, I was a vice president of student affairs for 15 years. In the many orientations where I presented to audiences of students and families during that time, my remarks were centered around the choices that new students would soon be making. I explained that one of the primary aims of a college education was understanding and owning those decisions, because we are

By Rhonda Jones ]The big buzz in the world of health lately has been the new food pyramid. Some people love and others hate it. Why should it matter? Well, the food pyramid is used by schools, hospitals, prisons, and many other establishments to prepare healthy meals. So, if the food pyramid does not recommend healthy food, that is not good. While I am not delighted with the new pyramid, I do see some good recommendations. The best recommendation is to cut down on or eliminat

By Sarah Jones, Library Director, Carlsbad Public Library Once considered fringe or "just for kids," graphic novels have seen a major rise in popularity—and respect—over the past decade. Today, they are one of the fastest-growing formats in publishing and among the most circulated items in public libraries. At first glance, these books may seem like simple illustrated stories, but a closer look reveals their power to engage readers of all ages, support literacy, and open door

By R. Gabriel Villalobos The folks at Carlsbad Community Concerts are bringing a very special concert to the P.R. Leyva Auditorium. Set for January 17, the concert offers Carlsbad a rare opportunity to experience the vocal prowess of an artist who has performed in some of the world's most iconic venues. Lauren Jelencovich came out of the Manhattan School of Music and is no stranger to high-profile performances. As early as 2010, she has been a featured lead vocalist with Yann

By Misty Cryer The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce’s Age-Friendly Council is hosting a free seminar to help individuals in the community and their loved ones navigate facing dementia and memory loss. The Memory Health Summit aims to bring education, awareness, and information about local resources related to the topic. The seminar is scheduled for Thursday, January 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pecos River Village Conference Center, 711 Muscatel Avenue. “One of the missions

By Misty Cryer Both Park Drive and Cascades Avenue were loaded with vehicles and crowds of people on Monday afternoon, January 5, for two different celebrations. The first event was a ribbon-cutting for a monument sign on the riverbank across from the Cascades. The second event was a groundbreaking ceremony for a luxurious apartment complex featuring floor plans for one, two, and three bedrooms in 36 units. River View Apartments will be located in the Cascades, a recreation a

Some of the 25 radio-controlled ballons present at the Christmas on the Pecos First Flume Flight were captured during the Carlsbd Chamber of Commerce’s Age- Friendly Committe photo contest on December 14, 2025. First, second and third prizes were awarded in the contest which featured images of balloons and the World Record holding Pecos Flume in Carlsbad. All three winners received a one-of-a-kind painting done by local artist, Ron Roth , and each received a gift certificate

By Don Eskins Twenty-two New Mexico prep swim teams made their way to compete in the Albuquerque Academy Invitational on Saturday, January 10. Among those teams were the Carlsbad Cavemen and Cavegirls. Overall, CHS's swimmers placed 12th among the elite field of aquatic teams that had assembled there. At the meet, Caveman Sam Vega made the most noise for CHS. Vega qualified for state in both his 100 yard backstroke, with a time of 59.37, and his 100 yard fly, with a time of