NMJC to buy former hospital building for $1.75 million Levi Hill/News-Sun Pending an environmental study and approval from the New Mexico Higher Education Department, New Mexico Junior College will soon be the owners of the former Lea Regional Medical Center campus. NMJC Board of Directors voted unanimously Thursday to approve a $1.75 million purchase agreement with Covenant Health to buy …

Nor-Lea gets $600K for diabetes health Levi Hill/News-Sun LOVINGTON — It’s a silent killer that often goes unnoticed, but in Lea County, diabetes is a growing epidemic. Thanks to state funding, Nor-Lea Hospital will soon be helping fight this silent killer and helping Lea Countians stay healthier. Nor-Lea recently received $608,000 in state funds through the Rural Health Care Delivery …

AG targeting oilfield crime Levi Hill/News-Sun Oilfield crime is an organized and booming business and it has caught the eye of New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez, who was in Hobbs Tuesday to meet with local and Texas law enforcement to look at ways of protecting the life blood of the region. In September, five suspects were arrested in an …

Oil theft a booming industry for thieves Levi Hill/News-Sun The recent arrest of five men as part of a “large-scale” oilfield theft ring involving a Mexican cartel is shedding light on a booming crime business plaguing the Permian Basin on both sides of the state line. “About 96 percent of the (property) crime in Lea County is oilfield,” said Rex …

JSX to add Wednesday flights to Dallas Christina Holt/News-Sun JSX, the newest airline service at Lea County Regional Airport flying to Dallas, will be extending its operations from three to four days a week to meet the needs of the community. Beginning Sept. 24, the service will be offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, said Jennifer Grassham, president and …

City of Hobbs looks to bring 4,300 more homes with housing initiatives Caleb A. Gallegos/News-Sun With around $21 million spent in housing incentives and around 2,752 units built since starting the housing initiative in 2012, Hobbs Commissioners approved another housing agreement with hopes to build 4,300 more homes by 2040. In Tuesday’s City of Hobbs commission meeting, Mayor Sam Cobb …

Albertsons, Wendy’s Lovington construction on track   Denise Marquez/News-Sun LOVINGTON — Commercial construction in northern Lovington is booming, and on schedule, Evelyn Holguin, Lovington Economic Development Corporation executive director, said recently. The walls are up for the new Albertsons Market on the southwest corner of Highway 82 and North Main Street, and the site preparations between the Family Dollar and …

Nor-Lea welcomes further construction with topping out ceremony Azure Mitchell/News-Sun LOVINGTON, N.M. — Wednesday morning, when the birds were just waking up, community members, contributors and Nor-Lea hospital staff gathered to witness the final piece of a giant skeleton coming into place: the last structural beam being placed onto a transformative new building. The moment was a major signpost for …

NM oil and gas industry leads on well plugging – let’s keep it that way   Missi Currier/NMOGA When it comes to environmental responsibility, New Mexico’s oil and gas industry is not just stepping up – we’re leading the way. In recent years, oil and gas operators plugged more than 90 percent of the decommissioned wells in the state. That’s …

7 Brew drive-through planned for Hobbs Denise Marquez/News-Sun A new drink shop is planned to begin construction on its first Hobbs location this summer. 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee will be located at 1425 N. Turner St., in front of the Broadmoor Mall. 7 Brew offers hot coffee, iced coffee, tea, energy drinks, sparkling waters, lemonades, smoothies and milkshakes. “The …