In total, 25 parcels on 20,334 acres were leased in the three states, with the highest bids going to southeast New Mexico properties in the Permian Basin.
First National Bank marked its 70th anniversary with community celebrations across Alamogordo, Tularosa, Cloudcroft, Ruidoso and Artesia. Events featured free lunches, prize opportunities and local bank officials, including a Friday gathering at the Artesia branch on West Main Street. The milestone highlights seven decades of service to Otero, Lincoln and Eddy counties.
Federal officials issued a notice on Aug. 11 that the FBI is looking for information on the deaths of Kent Hoffman, 56, on June 14, Andrew Lujan-Huerta, 46, on July 14 and Karl Affsprung, 50 on July 29.
County commissioners voted unanimously at their Tuesday, Aug. 18, meeting in Carlsbad to schedule a public hearing and a possible vote to adopt an ordinance dealing with the issue.
New Mexico officials proposed methane abatement rules targeting large oilfield leaks, including a “super emitter” reporting program and mandatory zero-emission electric pneumatic pumps by 2031. The Environment Department says swift action is needed to reduce pollution and waste, while oil and gas representatives question the compressed timeline, technical requirements and potential conflicts with existing regulations.
Carlsbad Mayor Rick Lopez said the encroachment on residential areas was a symptom of Carlsbad’s fast growth during a booming time for the oil and gas industry centered in southeast New Mexico’s Permian Basin region.
Hosted at Southeast New Mexico College and part of the New Mexico Small Business Development Center (NMSBDC) Network, the Carlsbad SBDC helps entrepreneurs at every stage of business ownership through confidential counseling, resource referrals, and access to specialized expertise.
