Gabrielle Arsiaga/News-Sun JAL —Jal High School’s 2022 valedictorian is Stanton Richard — but he didn’t even know he was in the running until last year. Even so, Richard — a life-long resident of Jal — has worked hard his whole high school career to get to where he’s at today. “I didn’t learn I was in the running for this …

Curtis Wynne/News-Sun LOVINGTON — Elusive high-speed internet access garnered the attention of Lea County Commission members at Thursday’s regular commission meeting. Medical communication, police body camera recordings and COVID-19-related school restrictions highlighted lack of broadband in rural areas throughout the nation, including in southern Lea County where Leaco Rural Telephone Cooperative Inc. and City of Jal officials propose a project …

Starla Jones/Hobbs Municipal Schools Life may have turned out differently for Juanita Castillo had she not gotten pregnant in ninth grade. But Juanita – who would marry at the age of 15 – never regretted devoting herself to her husband and a family that would eventually number seven children. Life – then and now – is good. Still, Juanita, a …

Gabrielle Arsiaga/News-Sun A Hobbs couple was arrested Sunday after police said they found them in possession of more than 1,000 fentanyl pills. Miranda Milligan, 25, of Hobbs, was arrested on May 22 and charged with abuse of a child, a fourth-degree felony; and resisting evading or obstructing an officer, a misdemeanor. Benjamin Verret, 23, of Hobbs, was arrested on May …

Gabrielle Arsiaga/News-Sun Wade Cavitt was surprised when his wife told him a fraudulent check was cashed for $1,500 under one of his business’ names, Cavitt Land and Cattle. Just a few weeks after the first check was cashed, two more — one for $950 and one for $1,200 — were cashed under the name of another Cavitt business, Lobo Nut …

ANDY BROSIG NEWS-SUN It was almost too close to call coming down to the wire, with just a few tenths of a point difference in the race for valedictorian and salutatorian for the Hobbs High School Class of 2022. It’s almost been a race between seniors Ann Mary Thomas, 18, and Brieanna Carr, 17, since the pair met during their …

LOVINGTON — Lea County Commissioners declared an emergency fire ban Thursday, May 12. With exceptions, the ban prohibits smoking, fireworks, campfires and open burning of any kind. By resolution set to expire in 30 days, commissioners agreed to follow prohibitions established last month by state and federal agencies. The ban will be extended, if necessary, they said. More than 30,000 …

GABRIELLE ARSIAGA/NEWS-SUN Sometimes leaders are born, not made – close friend and prior Hispano Chamber of Commerce Board President Susana Arvizu said of Sergio Polanco being named the new Hispano Chamber President and CEO. “Sergio is perfect for this position. Leadership is definitely his thing. He has always been willing and eager to learn during some of our toughest times …

Andy Brosig/News-Sun Water, water everywhere, and not a drop … well, you know the rest. To prevent that old saw from becoming prophetic, the city of Hobbs once again this year will institute strictures on dates and times people and businesses can water their lawns. The annual Hobbs Water Conservation Period went into effect Sunday and lasts through Sept. 15, …

Gabriela Arsiaga/News-Sun A reckless driver is accused of killing a couple and fleeing the scene of the hit and run on Mother’s Day, according to Hobbs Police. Euden Avila, 24, of Hobbs, was arrested on May 12 and charged with two counts of homicide by vehicle, both third-degree felonies, and leaving the scene of an accident, a fourth-degree felony. According …