Lea County is leading New Mexico’s oil patch in historic proportions. Wednesday the New Mexico State Land Office announced its July oil and gas lease sales surpassed $30 million, a record high. Lea County led that sale with two 320-acres leases selling for $7.36 million and $6 million respectively. “The July lease sale revenues far exceeded our expectations and our …

LOVINGTON — For the first time in five years, patrons of the Lea County Fair and Rodeo will buy cotton candy and carnival rides with cash. The tokens are gone, having served their purpose. County officials plan to schedule a buyback method for any tokens still out. “We discussed a one-time buyback program which would be during the week of …