In his 1872 novel, Around the World in Eighty Days, French author Jules Verne recounts the pitfalls and challenges Phileas Fogg endures as he tries to circumnavigate the globe. But Fogg has nothing on Larry Wilcox, 74, of Hobbs. Diagnosed with COVID-19 on Dec. 26, Wilcox’s odyssey has already lasted longer than Fogg’s fictional experiences. And it’s a journey that’s …

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health on Wednesday announced the updated statewide COVID-19 map for the two-week period beginning April 7, with 20 New Mexico counties at the Turquoise Level and three at the Green Level, at which there are fewer restrictions on commercial and day-to-day activities amid decreased virus risk. The majority of the state’s counties …

In his 1872 novel, Around the World in Eighty Days, French author Jules Verne recounts the pitfalls and challenges Phileas Fogg endures as he tries to circumnavigate the globe. But Fogg has nothing on Larry Wilcox, 74, of Hobbs. Diagnosed with COVID-19 on Dec. 26, Wilcox’s odyssey has already lasted longer than Fogg’s fictional experiences. And it’s a journey that’s …

Hobbs is faced with a new drug problem. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has led to a number of overdoses in Hobbs during the past two weeks. “A large majority of the overdoses we are running into are fentanyl related,” said Officer David Torres of HPD’s Neighborhood Enforcement Team. “Right now we are seeing a huge rise in the Hobbs community …

Starting today, every New Mexican over the age of 16 who wants to, may sign up to receive the vaccine against the novel coronavirus under a plan announced last week by the state Department of Health. Dr. Tracie Collins, DOH cabinet secretary, said the order stems from a directive issued by President Joe Biden in keeping with his drive to …

Lea County went from Green Level to Turquoise Level on Wednesday, allowing the county to open up more businesses and activities based on the governor’s COVID-19 restrictions, according to the N.M. Department of Health’s website map that color codes the counties. At the Turquoise Level, indoor dining can happen at 75% of max capacity as well as most businesses can …

 Time-lapse video of a dust storm moving into Denver City, TX on Tuesday, March 22. Submitted video by Danyelle House

For the first time in more than a year New Mexico students will be able to go back to school at 100% capacity, while our neighbors in Texas have spent all of the current school year attending class as normal. So, what does having students back in school really do to COVID-19 numbers? According to Zach Hollbrooks, public health director …

Enthusiastic. Passionate. Welcoming. Forthright. Motivated. These terms and more were used this week to describe Maj. Lisa Smith, the former Corps Officer for the Salvation Army in Hobbs. After learning this week of her death in Wheat Ridge, Colo., in February, the News-Sun reached out to the people and organizations in Hobbs Smith worked with closely. She was 60. “She …

Enthusiastic. Passionate. Welcoming. Forthright. Motivated. These terms and more were used this week to describe Maj. Lisa Smith, the former Corps Officer for the Salvation Army in Hobbs. After learning this week of her death in Wheat Ridge, Colo., in February, the News-Sun reached out to the people and organizations in Hobbs Smith worked with closely. She was 60. “She …