NM Junior College working to advance nursing skills John Leacock/News-Sun New Mexico’s nursing training has received recognition for its excellence, with New Mexico Junior College’s nursing program among the best LPN to RN efforts in the state. NMJC’s program was recently ranked third in the state by Practical Nursing, an organization boosting LPN/LVN advancement. An LPN is a licensed practical …

Haarmeyer movie gets early screening in Lea Levi Hill/News-Sun LOVINGTON — There is one thing you notice quickly when you sit down for an interview with independent filmmaker and author Mary Haarmeyer — she is a live wire, a runaway train of energy. And after an hour of listening to her tell you about the challenges of making a movie …

Hispano Chamber honors businesses, individuals at annual banquet Andy Brosig/News-Sun It was 45 years ago when two brothers with just lint in their pockets and a dream walked into the Moncor National Bank of Hobbs and convinced bank officials to lend them seed money for what would become The Model clothing store in Broadmoor Mall in Hobbs. And last Thursday, …

A mother’s life changing moment Christina Holt/News-Sun It was an ordinary moment that changed Jessica Stout’s life and her family’s – a moment that led to a breast cancer diagnosis. In 2022, Jessica, who was 35 years old, was changing her clothes when she felt a lump in her right breast. The panic set in. Jessica was trying her best …

CTECH shop teacher surprised with $75k award Christina Holt/News-Sun Erik Chavarria, construction and engineer teacher at Hobbs CTECH, walked onto the shop floor expecting another day of teaching. Instead, he found himself surrounded not only by his students but by Hobbs Municipal Schools staff, media and family who had been keeping a secret. A crowd of people walked from the …

Local man adapts cooling tech for athletes, LEOs Levi Hill/News-Sun Scott Evans is on a mission to cool off law enforcement officers, military and athletes and the vision for his mission came directly from on high. “This was a download from God,” the veteran military, EMT and security officer said of the day he had his idea for a cooling …

National Geographic photographer and filmmakers Pete McBride and New York Times bestselling author Kevin Fedarko named next Jack Maddox Distinguished Speaker Series speakers For the News-Sun National Geographic photographer and filmmaker Pete McBride and New York Times bestselling author Kevin Fedarko as the next Jack Maddox Distinguished Speaker Series speakers. McBride and Fedarko will take the stage at Tydings Auditorium, …

Lea County Veterans Memorial is officially open Christina Holt/News-Sun LOVINGTON — Flags rose, the Lovington High School Band played and a multi-agency honor guard presented the colors Wednesday morning as about 100 people gathered to dedicate the Lea County Veterans Memorial in downtown Lovington. The dedication ceremony was held on the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II, …

Lea commissioners approve imposition of 2026 property tax rates Denise Marquez/News-Sun LOVINGTON — The Lea County Board of County Commissioners ordered the county assessor to impose the 2026 state property tax rates, most of which will hold steady from last year. During a special county commission meeting Tuesday morning, Ave Benge, Lea County assessor, reviewed the property tax rates set …

4-H girls hard work earns Lea County Fair sweepstakes buckles   Denise Marquez/News-Sun LOVINGTON — Eager youth and parents crowded around covered showcases Monday at the Lea County Fairgrounds, waiting to see who would take home this year’s sweepstakes titles. The Lea County Fair and Rodeo 4-H Sweepstakes is a multi-project competition for 4-H members covering projects in home economics …