As New Mexico became the nation’s third highest oil producing state last year, Lea County slipped into the No. 3 slot among counties, according to research performed by Lea County Assistant County Manager Corey Needham. “We are still trailing Weld (County), Colo., and McKenzie County, N.D., in production but have significantly more rigs currently drilling than they do,” Needham said in …

The top 10 news stories for 2018 were the hot topics of the year – from the opening of the CORE to the current state of the oil industry to a crying statue. One story, the accusation of former St. Helena priest Father Ricardo Bauza, returns to the top 10 stories for a second-straight year. The rise of oil production …

Speed limits on roads outside of Lea County are changing at the beginning of the year. The Texas Transportation Commission has approved a request to lower speed limits on five rural highways in the Odessa District. The changes will be put in place at these locations: ¦ U.S. Highway 285 from the New Mexico state line to the northern city …

Lea County Commissioner Ron Black chaired his last regular commission meeting about two weeks ago. State law prohibits a commissioner from serving more than two terms. “It’s something I enjoyed doing and I’m glad I did it but I’m ready to retire again, now,” said Black. As the Lea County commissioner serving District 3 for the past eight years, Black …

Pull on your boots, strap on your six-shooter, grab your hat, mount your horse and mosey over to the “My Wild West Show” at the corner of Hardy and Campus streets in east Hobbs. Well, maybe leave the six-shooter at home because you don’t want the marshal insisting you check your gun. The memorial fence created by Salvador Duarte III includes …

Pull on your boots, strap on your six-shooter, grab your hat, mount your horse and mosey over to the “My Wild West Show” at the corner of Hardy and Campus streets in east Hobbs. Well, maybe leave the six-shooter at home because you don’t want the marshal insisting you check your gun. The memorial fence created by Salvador Duarte III includes …

The Badger Natatorium pool was filled one last time. The natatorium’s demolition project on the Hobbs High School campus finished its first phase Wednesday with the permanent fill of the pool. Demolition of the natatorium’s two locker rooms/bathrooms, the concrete deck around the pool and items from the pool’s water pump were dumped into the hollow opening before being poured with a concrete-like liquid that …

Christmas isn’t just a season of anticipation for children, it’s also a time to find homes for animals. And a new pet during the holiday season can bring joy to both pet and owner. Pat Huntley, with the Lea County Humane Society, told city leaders Monday the immediate goal of the Hobbs Animal Adoption Center and Lea County Humane Society …

You get to help choose the top News-Sun stories of 2018. The local Top 10 will be presented in the Jan. 1, 2019, edition of the News-Sun Click HERE to take the survey and vote for up to 10 stories For a refresher on the stories, please click the links below: Hobbs Commission approves own wage hikeIf Lea County was …

EUNICE — Municipal elections in the City of Eunice will happen in November of odd-numbered years, beginning next year, if a second ordinance reading is approved in January. Members of the city council on Tuesday unanimously approved the first reading to opt in to the state’s Regular Local Election pursuant to a new state law regarding local government elections. Councilors …