Virginia Cunningham/News-Sun If you’ve went through the Taco Villa drive-thru recently, you may have been greeted with a song. Danielle Wands, 50, of Hobbs, said one day she was bored with the regular drive-thru greeting so she decided to sing it instead. “I sang it a few times, and was surprised at the response,” said Wands smiling. “People would pull …

Virginia Cunningham / News-Sun LOVINGTON — COVID, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are circulating through Lea County, and the flu is affecting people more than COVID said Nor-Lea Hospital CEO David Shaw. “We are seeing COVID positive tests at the highest levels since last year,” said Shaw. “The good news is it isn’t as severe.” All three viruses will possibly reach …

Virginia Cunningham News-Sun LOVINGTON — Residents of Lovington have noticed the bare light poles in the downtown area where Christmas decorations normally are — but with the changeover in leadership, the Lovington Chamber of Commerce said they originally weren’t able to find them. At the City of Lovington Commission meeting Monday, board members from the Chamber addressed the commission in …

Virginia Cunningham News-Sun LOVINGTON — Innovative, secure and state-of-the-art is the type of school Hillcrest Christian Academy will start building in the first quarter of 2023. Tony Mabe, owner and contractor with Artisans Guild Construction said the building will cost approximately $7 million dollars, and will be located on the corner of Avenue I and 2nd Street in Lovington. “There …

CURTIS C. WYNNE/NEWS-SUN EUNICE — With little fanfare and less open discussion, the Eunice City Council last week joined the abortion fray as City Attorney Tommy Parker provided a draft ordinance to councilors. “It’s a very touchy issue,” Parker told the council. “I know a lot of people are pro-choice, but being in a conservative area, I think this will …

CURTIS C. WYNNE/NEWS-SUN EUNICE — With little fanfare and less open discussion, the Eunice City Council last week joined the abortion fray as City Attorney Tommy Parker provided a draft ordinance to councilors. “It’s a very touchy issue,” Parker told the council. “I know a lot of people are pro-choice, but being in a conservative area, I think this will …

Virginia Cunningham/News-Sun It’s the time of the year for giving — which is what Bethel Baptist Church in Knowles did by filling 841 shoe boxes with toys, hygiene items and school supplies for needy children around the globe. Operation Christmas Child, a ministry founded by Samaritan’s Purse, has sent more than 198 million boxes to children in more than 170 …

CURTIS C. WYNNE/NEWS-SUN EUNICE — Starting next year, Eunice’s city-owned Coyote Crossing Golf Club will sell alcohol to golfers, but with strict rules. Pro Shop Manager Marsha Robinson on Monday presented ideas for a proposed ordinance to the city council with four regulations she hopes to promulgate. The city recently acquired a liquor license for the golf course in an …

CURTIS C. WYNNE/NEWS-SUN JAL — Facing a tort claim of wrongful death and excessive force, the City of Jal settled for $5 million. The city’s insurance company will pay $1 million of that. Claims brought by the estate of Hector Nava, 45, of San Antonio, Texas, alleged excessive use of tasers while Nava was in police custody, although a coroner’s …

Gabrielle Arsiaga/News-Sun Hobbs Municipal schools are currently dealing with an epidemic that involves children vaping and using marijuana in unprecedented amounts, HMS Superintendent Gene Strickland said. Hobbs High School Principal Alfredo Turrubiates said the high school is finding “large amounts” of cannabis and non-cannabis related products in student’s possession and he attributed this increase to the legalization of marijuana. “We …