Monday afternoon, Jeff Poe, who owns all the Wendy’s stores in southeast New Mexico and Lubbock, Texas, walked across the cordoned off parking lot at the Wendy’s restaurant in Hobbs. He carried a hammer in his hand as he talked about the extensive remodel of the restaurant he owns at the corner of Sanger and Turner. It was unclear what …

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The cost of drilling for oil and natural gas on public and tribal land went up slightly nationwide, thanks to a fee hike that took effect over the weekend. But New Mexico producers said Monday they are more worried about a continued backlog in the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s processing of permits. The delays are …

For four decades a Hobbs family has been flipping and selling hamburgers in the Downtown Mini Mall and they credit their success to their customers. Kenny and Peggy Smith, the founders of Casey’s, and their daughter Paula Manis, the current owner of Casey’s, are celebrating their restaurant’s 40th anniversary. Casey’s is located at 209 W. Broadway. Kenny said he and …

LOVINGTON — A previously vacant lot situated in downtown Lovington is now Drylands Brewing Company, Lea County’s first brewery. The restaurant that employs 30 people and offers a variety of craft beer and pizza. Drylands, 322 North Main, opened its doors last month, but officially marked the milestone Friday afternoon with a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by …

After two years of contemplating opening a new location in Hobbs, McAlister’s Deli is planning to open right off the Lovington Highway. The new franchise restaurant is planned to be located at the corner of Northwest County Road and Industrial Road. The Wagon Wheel Café and Curves used to occupy that location. On July 9, 2015 a McAlister’s representative confirmed …

“The little town that could” just announced it will soon be adding some 25 new jobs and three new businesses. It’s the kind of news City Manager Bob Gallagher said would include a press conference complete with the governor in attendance, if it were in Albuquerque or Santa Fe. “There is no other city in the State of New Mexico …

At the end of June a story about Chick-fil-A opening a restaurant in Hobbs was shared on Facebook sparking hope with many local residents, but unfortunately a Chick-fil-A corporate official confirmed there are no plans for a Lea County opening. The fake Chick-fil-A news story was created on a website called channel4news.com that allows a person to create a fake story and …

LOVINGTON — It’s the end of an era for radio in Lea County. After nearly 65 years on air, Lovington radio station KLEA broadcasted for the last time on Friday and closed its doors. Days later on Wednesday, the building located on Country Club Drive was quiet and locked to visitors. The radio staple spent decades airing top tunes and …

The six-month wait for Cotton Patch Cafe is over. Construction on the cafe started in early January and doors opened on Joe Harvey Boulevard around 11 a.m. Tuesday morning, where a pack of customers dined and voiced their excitement for the new eatery. The Texas-based restaurant chain serves a variety of Southern staples like chicken fried steak, catfish, and meatloaf, …

In the company of more than 300 attendees, the Mewbourne family dedicated the new regional headquarters for Mewbourne Oil Company on Business Park Boulevard in Hobbs earlier this week. Among many dignitaries in attendance, New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez congratulated company executives for their foresight in spite of the recent oil downturn. She then noted a major upturn in recent months. …