LOVINGTON — Over the top in December and January. “Lea County is now officially the No. 1 oil and gas producer in the U.S.,” said County Chairwoman Rebecca Long on Thursday. “We have the final numbers in for December and January, both.” With the latest data available, County Finance Director Chip Low said earlier this month the numbers for December …

SANTA FE – New Mexico state health officials on Friday announced 55 additional positive tests for COVID-19. Per the state Department of Health, the most recent cases are: 1 new case in Lea County 27 new cases in Bernalillo County 1 new case in Cibola County 1 new case in Eddy County 2 new cases in McKinley County 1 new …

At around 10:16 a.m. Thursday morning, a magnitude 5.0 earthquake was registered in Texas, near the area of Mentone, Texas, about 50 miles southeast of Carlsbad. Seismic instruments indicate the earthquake originated at a depth of around 5.3 miles. “The preliminary (reading) was 4.7, then they reviewed it, and it came out at 5.0,” Dr. David Wilson, scientist in charge …

SANTA FE – New Mexico public education will shift to a learn-at-home model as schools remain closed for the rest of the academic year, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and state education and child care officials announced Friday.​ The decision is part of a two-pronged plan to protect New Mexicans from COVID-19 and ensure that children are protected, fed and educated …

When Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Monday that all “non-essential” workers should stay home, and that all “non-essential” businesses are now required to lock their doors, rumors immediately began to fly as to what that means for not only the individuals effected, but also the law enforcement agencies charged with enforcement. Community leaders and lead law enforcement officers all stated …

During their self-quarantine, News-Sun reporter Dorothy Fowler, along with family and friends, are part of many community members answering Nor-Lea Hospital’s call for help amidst the coronavirus pandemic. “I saw that they were asking for people to volunteer to make masks for the hospital,” Fowler said. “I felt like everybody needs to step up and do what they can to …

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health on Wednesday announced the state’s first death related to COVID-19. Per the state Department of Health, a male in his late 70s in Eddy County died Sunday, March 22, at Artesia General Hospital. On March 22, he went to the hospital, where his condition deteriorated rapidly. He died the same day. …

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Monday announced additional restrictions to disrupt the spread of the COVID-19 virus in New Mexico and instructed New Mexicans to remain in their homes or places of residence except for outings absolutely necessary for health, safety and welfare. The order – to be issued by Secretary of Health Kathy Kunkel and effective 8 …

Despite many normally broadcasted television events being cancelled, last Monday night’s pre-recorded episode of The Voice aired without a hitch as many locals sat glued to the popular singing show to catch Lovington native Gigi Hess as she made her national debut. That Monday was the last night of the blind auditions to air after the show premiered in February …

SANTA FE – New Mexico state health officials on Sunday announced eight additional positive tests for COVID-19. Per the state Department of Health, the most recent cases are: Two new cases in Bernalillo County: A female in her 60s. A male in his 30s. Two new cases in Doña Ana County: ​A female in her 50s. A female in her …