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 …

7 Brew drive-through planned for Hobbs Denise Marquez/News-Sun A new drink shop is planned to begin construction on its first Hobbs location this summer. 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee will be located at 1425 N. Turner St., in front of the Broadmoor Mall. 7 Brew offers hot coffee, iced coffee, tea, energy drinks, sparkling waters, lemonades, smoothies and milkshakes. “The …

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 …