Local Stories

By Don Eskins With the Cavemen’s 11-2 loss to the Cleveland Storm in the semifinal round of the state baseball tournament on Friday, May 15, the 2025-26 sports calendar at CHS officially came to an end. And what a year it was! So, Carlsbad, let’s hit some of the high spots! CHS Fall Sports Slate 2025 The Cavemen football team, after a two-year leave of absence, was invited back to the NMAA’s State Football Playoffs. And for the first time in 15 years, they delivered! Unde

By Christina Mann, Wildlife Biologist Here in Eddy County, the two nights of soaking rain in early June 2026 were slightly unusual but very welcome. However, those rains signaled the official start of mosquito season. Flying with their annoying whine, they are most active at dawn or dusk. Only female mosquitoes produce the characteristic whining sound when they fly, as it is related to their wing-beat frequency. Male mosquitoes do not make this sound. People rightfully swat a

By Sarah Jones, Library Director, Carlsbad Public Library When people think of the library, they often think of books—and while free access to books is a major benefit, it’s only the beginning. Recently, a local journalist stopped by the library to cover an event and mentioned that it was their first time ever setting foot in the building. During our conversation, they shared that they love to read but typically purchase all of their books. That moment sparked this column bec

By Don Eskins The 2026 gridiron season promises to bring with it yet another exciting year of prep football for Carlsbad High sports fans. Coming off a 6-6 season, a 35-13 upset victory over the sixth-seeded Rio Rancho Rams during first-round play of the state tournament, and a Class 6A No. 8 ranking in 2025, CHS’s hopes for a deep run into this year’s state playoffs couldn’t be higher. But, while CHS will see some new faces alongside this season’s returnees (with possibly a

By Misty Cryer CavernFest is a significant family-friendly festival in Carlsbad that has been a popular attraction since its inception. With free admission, live music, shopping opportunities, food and beverage vendors, and enjoyable activities, droves of people from far and near look forward to this exciting event hosted by Carlsbad MainStreet. CavernFest 2026 is set for June 12-13 and will be held at Lake Carlsbad Beach Park this year. With music being a main attraction, De

By Misty Cryer From first-time students to seasoned artists seeking new challenges and opportunities to exhibit their work, it is worth noting that the Carlsbad Area Art Association (CAAA) is dedicated to cultivating the arts in the community. Known for showcasing art, offering workshops and classes at The Artist Gallery, and organizing an annual juried show to highlight local talent, a new development is monthly juried art shows. Artists can submit entries for the first mont

By Don Eskins Seven Cavemen have been selected for All-District 4/5A honors for their efforts on the baseball diamond during 2026. Heading the list of CHS hardballers named to this year’s team was sophomore hurler Wade Cozart. Cozart, named as an All District First Team pitcher and Second Team infielder, was also named as the District 4/5A Player of the Year. Also receiving All-District honors were First Team: Jayden Carter, catcher, Connor Roberson, designated hitter, and EZ

Kathryn Liesse Gessel passed peacefully at her home in Paso Robles, CA on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. She lived there for two years, but spent most of her life in Carlsbad, NM. In 1958, after graduating from college in Albuquerque, she left New Mexico to move to California where she had been recruited to teach high school. There she met John Gessel, who had also recently arrived to teach elementary school in Riverside County. They married in 1960 and moved to Santa Barbara befor