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By Michael Bromka Carlsbad Heights Lion Tom Dugger has garnered a prestigious (and pricey) Melvin Jones Fellowship, voted this spring by seven of his peers. The Lions’ worldwide motto is “We Serve.” All conscientious Lions try to exemplify this assertion. Among such dutiful volunteers, a resplendent few attain the badge of Melvin Jones Fellow. Heights Lions outgoing President Bill Deringer, at our annual awards dinner, enumerated Tom Dugger’s recent service. “Of our 11 buildi

Sarah Jones, Library Director, Carlsbad Public Library or children, some of the most powerful learning happens at home. While schools and libraries play an important role in supporting literacy, families and caregivers are a child’s first and most influential teachers. Creating a home environment where reading is encouraged, enjoyed, and shared can have lasting benefits for a child’s development and lifelong love of learning. Reading at home does not have to be complicated or

By Hattie Quinn, News Director,, KCCC 930 AM On April 27, a heavy haul superload fell over on Hobbs Highway. Oversized industrial tanks, down on the road. The incident, reported by CDLstrong, showed exactly what happens when infrastructure fails: loads shift, securement breaks, roads give way. Recovery requires specialized equipment, traffic control, and a full shutdown. Precision-balanced, overweight loads need well-maintained level roads. This is what the industry’s impact

By R. Gabriel Villalobos For many low-income residents in Carlsbad, a beloved pet can be a lifeline, offering companionship and comfort in challenging times. But when financial struggles make it difficult to feed those furry family members, a local nonprofit steps in to bridge the gap. CPAWS, or Carlsbad Progressive Animal Welfare Society, has been a quiet force in the community for over two decades, ensuring that no pet goes hungry due to their owner’s economic hardship. At

By Misty Cryer Carlsbad Area Art Association (CAAA) recently opened registration for four five-day summer art camps for kids aged five and up, with each camp accommodating 25 campers. The July camps, held at The Artist Gallery, offer 10 hours of art instruction, materials and supplies, a camp T-shirt, and daily snacks to 100 registered kids free of charge, thanks to the generosity of camp sponsors. All camps filled up in two days. “One of our newest gallery members, Angie Joh

By Misty Cryer A surprise retirement party was held recently to celebrate Johnnie Bradford, the Housing Supervisor for Carlsbad Transitional Housing and Homeless Shelter, who has been there for over a decade. She has seen the organization grow into two programs with six transitional houses and the addition of the shelter. While many people have benefited during her service, she feels that she is leaving it in good hands. “The intricate value of the job is just awesome. It’s a

By Jeff Campbell, Carlsbad Department of Development As Carlsbad has continued its positive growth over the last two decades, there has been increasing activity for everyone involved. With more recruitment efforts being employed and new businesses coming to the community, everyone working at various agencies has seen new responsibilities. Let’s explore the roles of two of the more prominent businesses in these efforts: the Carlsbad Department of Development (CDOD) and the Car

Update: Having experienced an up and down start in 2026, largely due to injuries and illness, former Caveman Trevor Rogers, now a Baltimore Oriole, currently owns a 5-7 record, an ERA of 4.99 and a WHIP of 1.31. However, during the month of June, Rogers has experienced a resurgence on the mound, showing glimpses of the success he enjoyed during 2025, a season that saw him post a 9-3 record with an ERA of just 1.81 and a WHIP of 0.90. Now in the Orioles starting rotation, Ro

By Sarah Jones, Library Director, Carlsbad Public Library At the heart of our community is a place that welcomes curiosity, creativity, and connection—the library. Every month, we are thrilled to offer a wide variety of programs that bring people together, encourage learning, and spark new interests. Whether you’re a lifelong reader, a curious child, a budding scientist, or someone looking for a social activity, there’s something for you at the library. Programs for Children

By Don Eskins The Many Faces of Cavegirl Atria WellsBy Don Eskins When the Cavern City's old timers pick up a good cup of coffee, gather around a table, and begin talking about Carlsbad High's greatest Cavegirls, Atria Wells has to be on their list of possible candidates. However, when it comes to Wells, one must decide which Atria they're talking about. As she excelled in three sports, will they be discussing her as a track-and-field, powerlifting, or wrestling star? And the

Southeast New Mexico is about to gain new ground in the effort to grow its own doctors. Beginning July 1, Artesia General Hospital (AGH) will serve as a training site for two family medicine resident physicians, Dr. Zobia Aijaz and Dr. Elmer Carrillo Baro, through the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) Permian Basin Family Medicine Rural Residency Track. The partnership adds new physician-training capacity in a state that produces far fewer doctors each yea

The Board of Trustees of Southeast New Mexico College will hold a regular meeting on Monday, July 13, at 6 p.m. in room 153 in the Instructional Building. Or join through Zoom https://senmc-edu.zoom.us/j/5043955605?pwd=eW96WDRySWhjSDFaNE5rSWkrd1NtZz09 Meeting ID: 504 395 5605 Passcode: SENMC In compliance with the Open Meetings Act, copies of the agenda will be made available at least 72 hours prior to the meeting and accessible on our website at https://senmc.edu. Public c