LCDTF fentanyl bust Christina Holt/News-Sun The Lea County Drug Task Force partnered with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency recently in the seizure of 150,000 fentanyl pills — the largest single fentanyl bust in DEA history. Alex Anthony Martinez and Bruce Sedillo were reportedly regional managers within a multi-state drug trafficking organization based in Albuquerque and reportedly led by Heriberto Salazar …

Fifth time’s the charm for market swine show contestant Denise Marquez/News-Sun LOVINGTON — This was the year for Katelyn Parsons who won grand champion at the market swine show Tuesday at the Lea County Fair and Rodeo. Parsons, 12, with Enchantment 4-H Club brought home the dark purple banner with her 231-pound pig, Fatso. Parsons said this is her fifth …

Chicken champs win in class and show Levi Hill/News-Sun What makes chickens talented banjo players? Don’t know? Well, you can bet River Caviness and Cadi Godwin know. The pair know all about chickens and proved it Wednesday at the Lea County Fair. Cadi, a veteran of the barnyard, perhaps won bigger than anyone else in the coop, taking two Grand …

New clear bag policy set for Lea County Fair and Rodeo Denise Marquez/News-Sun LOVINGTON — Lea County Fair and PRCA Rodeo has a new rule to keep in mind this year. Only clear bags will be allowed past the gates of the Lea County Fairgrounds this year. Corey Needham, Lea County manager, said the new policy came about due to …

Nor-Lea welcomes further construction with topping out ceremony Azure Mitchell/News-Sun LOVINGTON, N.M. — Wednesday morning, when the birds were just waking up, community members, contributors and Nor-Lea hospital staff gathered to witness the final piece of a giant skeleton coming into place: the last structural beam being placed onto a transformative new building. The moment was a major signpost for …

Lovington teen receives key to freedom Denise Marquez/News-Sun The look on Chris Isassi’s face when he saw his new specially-equipped, hand-controlled Toyota Sienna pull up towards him on Saturday morning was priceless. The new vehicle was purchased with donations from several local individuals and was delivered to Isassi during a community event, planned to celebrate the occasion, at Boerner’s Appliance, …

3 dead as flash flooding hits mountain village of Ruidoso in New Mexico, officials say By MORGAN LEE and THOMAS PEIPERT Associated Press SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Monsoon rains in southern New Mexico triggered flash flooding that killed three people and was so intense an entire house was swept downstream in a mountain village that is a popular summer …

Hobbs Chamber presented 7 awards Christina Holt/News-Sun The Hobbs Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 91st Annual Banquet on Thursday, honoring five individuals and two businesses for their commitment to the community. The Citizen of the Year was awarded to Becky Cousins in recognition of her volunteerism and donation of quilts to various nonprofit organizations. “It was really, really unexpected,” Cousins …

Miranda Lambert, Midland headline 2025 Lea County Fair concerts Christina Holt/News-Sun LOVINGTON — Lea County residents have been eagerly waiting for the announcement of the concert lineup for the 2025 Fair & Rodeo and it’s finally time. Lea County Fair Grounds Director Wyatt Duncan announced the entertainment selection at the county commission meeting Thursday morning in Lovington. • Friday, Aug. …

Hailstorm from last Friday rings up damage Azure Mitchell/News-Sun Mother Nature struck again last Friday, dropping golf ball-sized hail that shattered windows, destroyed gardens and damaged hundreds of vehicles in a wide swath that included Hobbs and Lovington. And around the area, residents are still picking up the pieces and roofers assessing damages from a hail storm that struck at …