Human trafficking is one of the most underreported crimes, according to the Human Trafficking Hotline. In 2018, the Hotline reported, there were only 5,147 cases reported in the U.S., awith 21 of those cases from New Mexico. But, the Land of Enchantment is a prime location for human trafficking because of the Big I, the interstate exchange of I-25 and …

It was another night of standing room only at the City of Lovington Commission meeting Monday night. The city may need to expand the seating area for the pubic if residents continue to attend and be as involved in the proceedings as they have been in recent weeks. Seven different community members spoke to commissioners during the public comments portion …

The use of electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes — known colloquially as ‘vaping’ — by young people remains a serious health concern in schools around the county, experts say. Lea County is no exception. After a natural decline with students out of school most of last year due to COVID-19 restrictions and closures, school officials report vaping in the schools is …

Sam Cobb, president of RMS Foods in Hobbs, embarked on an energy-saving and clean energy strategy, implementing several modifications to the Hobbs food production facility, as well as adding 1,369 300-watt solar panels to the roof of the plant. “Everything we do is based on trying to conserve energy,” Cobb said on Wednesday while speaking with the Economic Development Department’s …

Marijuana is now, officially, legal within the Hobbs city limits. During its Monday meeting, the Hobbs CIty Commission unanimously approved two city ordinances that changed language to reenforce that fact. Ordinance 1133 adopts Chapter 5.06 of the Hobbs Municipal Code, which legalizes the possession, cultivation, manufacture and sale of cannabis. Ordinance 1135 amends Chapter 9.28 of the Hobbs Municipal Code …

LOVINGTON — Coming back from a chaotic year, pandemic restrictions, an oilfield decline and mandated closures, the Lovington City Commission approved the city’s Annual Financial Report for 2020. State auditor De’Aun Willoughby presented before the commission the city’s annual financial audit for the fiscal year 2019-20 and the commission approved the resolution to accept it. This audit was conducted by …

LOVINGTON — If you thought things were busy for Lovington MainStreet before, it wants you to know it is just getting warmed up. LMS board members took two opportunities within a week to speak publicly about ongoing projects. Treasurer Rose Munoz and board member Patrick Alexander made a presentation and request to the Lovington City Commission at the special work …

In addition to forgery and fraud three additional charges have been filed against a local attorney. On July 28 local Hobbs defense attorney Ross Bettis was charged with forgery, a fourth-degree felony; and fraud, a misdemeanor after allegedly forging a probate document. On Monday three additional charges were filed alleging he made several ATM transfers to his own personal bank …

LOVINGTON — For about 25 minutes the Lovington City Commission debated the pros and cons to letting the county take over the responsibility, and cost, of the city’s trash collection facility. The discussion-only item to transfer the seven acres of the convenience station to Lea County, where in turn the county would build a new transfer facility and waste station …

Witnesses say father urged 17-year-old son to shoot a neighbor A Hobbs man was arrested Tuesday, charged with multiple felony counts stemming from an incident in June. Kristopher Glasspoole, 44, of the 600-block of west Cope Place in Hobbs, was taken into custody on warrants stemming from a criminal complaint charging him with being an accessory to aggravated battery with …