Law enforcement staffing crisis in SENM Christina Holt/News-Sun The Hobbs Police Department has a 33 percent vacancy rate for certified officers. But where does this stand in comparison in the region of southeastern New Mexico? The challenge of recruiting officers is not just a local issue but one that is felt throughout the nation. In a nationwide survey, 70 percent …

Stepping into their future CTECH students sign SkillsUSA intent letters Andy Brosig/News-Sun Hobbs senior Makenzee Box believes she probably wouldn’t have her future plans set up without the programs at the Career Technical Education Center Hobbs. And the CTECH Culinary Arts student isn’t alone. Fourteen students gathered Tuesday with family and friends in the upstairs walkway at the school to …

Faith in Action honors volunteers Christina Holt/News-Sun Faith in Action’s annual fundraiser and awards banquet was the “bee’s knees,” as some would say. The evening was reminiscent of the Great Gatsby filled with people wearing flapper dresses and fedoras ready to support the local nonprofit. Faith in Action was established in 1997 by Patsy Cline to help Lea County residents …

Stellar Solar IRB process initiated Christina Holt News-Sun TATUM — Plans to build a large solar farm in northern Lea County have moved one step closer to reality. Stellar Renewable Power from, headquartered in Dallas, plans to build a $1.18 billion solar energy facility near Tatum with the assistance of two Industrial Revenue Bonds that would be issued by Lea …

Coming home Lea native Bobby Herrera to speak Wednesday in Hobbs Christina Holt/News-Sun A Lea County native is coming to Hobbs on Wednesday to speak about leadership and how to reframe your mind around life’s struggles. The J.F Maddox Foundation is hosting Bobby Herrera from 6 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, at the Hobbs Municipal Schools Training Center, …

AC Ranch Solar project is moving forward Christina Holt/News-Sun The construction of a $400 million solar development project near Hobbs began in the summer of 2024 and is steadily moving forward. AC Ranch Solar plans to have a ribbon cutting later this year and hopes to have phase one of the project operational in 2026, according to CEO and President …

Celebrating community and the joy of reading: Read Across Lea County By Elizabeth Wieser March in Lea County brings a celebration of reading that is more than just an event. It’s a true testament to the power of community collaboration and the volunteer spirit. Read Across Lea County, a collective initiative between the United Way of Lea County’s “United We …

Autism Awareness Month Lovington group hits the ground running with Light It Up Blue Caleb A. Gallegos/News-Sun LOVINGTON — Stepping into April and Autism Awareness month, L.A.C.E.S., Lovington Autism Center for Education and Services, laced up their shoes and hit the ground running Saturday. Hosting its 12th annual event, Light it up Blue, the community was treated to a day …

NM 128 road improvements moving forward Christina Holt/News-Sun The New Mexico Department of Transportation is moving forward with plans to make roadway improvements to New Mexico Highway 128 in the Jal area and west towards Eddy County. The project is estimated to cost about $430 million to reconstruct New Mexico Hwy. 128 from the Texas state line east of Jal …

The power of business incubators in driving economic development Communities thrive when small businesses succeed, and one of the most effective ways to support budding entrepreneurs is through business incubators. These dynamic spaces provide more than just office space – they foster innovation, mentorship and economic growth. As the JF Maddox Foundation continues its development in downtown Hobbs, we are …