Students take turns viewing the solar eclipse Monday at the New Mexico Junior College. Physics and math professor Joel Keranen set up two telescopes and sun flare lens so that both the community and NMJC students could view the solar eclipse.

Edison Elementary started first day of classes on Wednesday, along with other Hobbs Municipal Schools.

Jal students are getting another week of summer break. The first day of school for Jal Public Schools was originally set for Aug. 14, but with recent developments involving the approximately $20 million Jal Elementary School project, it’s been pushed back to Aug. 21 for third-grade students to high school seniors. Kindergarten through second-grade students will start back on Aug. …

It’s “all about” the students for new Lovington High School principal Ivan DeAnda. The first day of school for students, Aug. 16, is right around the corner, while DeAnda is gearing up for his own first day. A longtime educator for Lovington Municipal Schools, he brings 34 years of education experience to the table. LMS Superintendent LeAnne Gandy selected him …

The University of the Southwest will soon offer its first doctoral degree through its School of Business — a doctorate in business administration degree, which is the first to be offered in New Mexico. The School of Business at USW will offer the DBA degree through an online program. Ryan Tipton, USW School of Business dean, said getting a DBA …

Hobbsan Terry O’Brain’s motivation is “the kids.” Hobbs Municipal School board members unanimously voted O’Brain to the vacant District 3 seat Tuesday evening after interviewing three applicants for the position, including Esther Bratcher and K.T. Manis. With the decision, O’Brain will finish the unexpired term of Lance Wiseman, who was first elected in 2005. Wiseman announced his resignation from the …

  United Way of Lea County is hosting its annual Stuff-A-Bus event from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at Walgreens on Turner. The goal is to fill 2,000 backpacks that will be distributed to school children throughout Lea County.

It’s that time of year again when United Way challenges the local community to help the nonprofit organization stuff a bus with thousands of backpacks. This is the 13th year United Way hosts the Stuff-A-Bus event, which is planned from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. today and Saturday at Walgreens, 1401 N. Turner Street. “We’d like to fill 2,000 backpacks,” said Janelle Blain, …

Hobbs Municipal School Board members have three applicants to choose from to fill the vacant District 3 board seat. Lance Wiseman, Hobbs school board member, who was first elected in 2005 announced his resignation from the school board in April. Esther Bratcher, K.T. Manis and Terry O’Brain are the three applicants who are up to fulfill Wiseman’s term until the …