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 …

Out with the old, in with the new Hobbs Commission approves new library playground Caleb A. Gallegos/News-Sun The Hobbs Public Library has been a reliable resource for the City of Hobbs, the members of the community and the youth. Offering internet access, a wide variety of books, streaming services and year-round scheduled events for kids to help them explore the …

New CAO named for Covenant Hobbs For the News-Sun Covenant Health in Lubbock, Texas, has named the next Chief Administrative Officer for Covenant Health Hobbs Hospital. In March, Derrick Jones will step into the role vacated by former Chief Executive Officer Rachel Slade, who left at the end of last year for a similar position at San Juan Regional Medical …

The Yues make Pacific Rim a home for all RICH TROUT/NEWS-SUN Ohana is Hawaiian for family. In retrospect, 43 years is a long time for a family to form. But it did. The family has grown to cover most states, seven continents and perhaps the heavens. In 1981, Joe and Sarah Yue got married despite being from different countries — …

County approves $2 million for 2025 Fair & Rodeo Christina Holt/News-Sun With the conclusion of the 2024 Fair and Rodeo, preparations for next year’s event are in motion, almost before the dust from the show ring has cleared. Lea County Fair and Rodeo Board Chair Kris Allen proposed 16 resolutions for approval at the regular Lea County Commission meeting on …

Jury finds Rey Ruiz guilty in 2023 Walmart shooting Caleb A. Gallegos/News-Sun After deliberating for a short time Thursday, a Lea County jury found Rey Ochoa Ruiz guilty of second-degree murder and attempt to commit armed robbery in the murder of then 24-year-old Jordan Ruiz. Rey Ruiz was charged in Fifth Judicial District Court with first-degree murder and attempt to …

Officers in vehicle crash were headed to call for suspect with a gun Caleb A. Gallegos/News-Sun After being recognized by Hobbs Police officers for an outstanding warrant, a Hobbs man led HPD officers on a foot chase with a gun and allegedly pointed the gun at officers in the process of being detained. That foot chase and gun triggered a …