Lovington Leader

12/29/2025

✨🏆 Save the Month | Lovington Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet 🏆✨

The Lovington Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce our Annual Awards Banquet, to be held in February 2026 at the Lea County Fairgrounds – Zia Building.
📅 The official date will be announced soon!

This distinguished evening is one of the Chamber’s most anticipated events of the year, dedicated to honoring the businesses, leaders, and individuals whose commitment, innovation, and service continue to strengthen the Lovington community.

Event Highlights:
🚪 Doors Open: 5:00 PM
🏅 Awards Presentation: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
👗 Attire: Formal

🎟️ Reservations are now being accepted.
This event traditionally sells out, and we encourage guests to reserve early to ensure attendance at this premier celebration.

🎁 Call for Donations, Silent & Live Auctions and Swag Bags
We are currently accepting donations for:
▪️ Silent Auction items
▪️ Live Auction items
▪️ Swag Bag contributions

These donations play a vital role in creating an exceptional guest experience while supporting Chamber initiatives, scholarships, and community programming. Donors will receive valuable exposure among local leaders, business owners, and community stakeholders.

🌟 Our vision for the 2026 Awards Banquet is bold:
✔️ A sold-out venue
✔️ Exceptional auction offerings
✔️ Elegant swag bags
✔️ A memorable evening celebrating the very best of Lovington

📩 For reservations or to contribute an auction or swag item, please contact the Lovington Chamber of Commerce, message us directly, or visit our office.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of recognition, celebration, and community pride.

12/29/2025

🟡 🚨 Cold Weather Community Update 🚨

With extreme cold temperatures impacting our area, please help us spread the word about available warming resources:

🟡 Isaiah’s Soup Kitchen
• Open all day today
• Serving breakfast and lunch
• Also open as a warming station for anyone needing a warm, safe place

🟡 The Salvation Army
• Jackets, beanies, and gloves available for those in need in Hobbs and Lovington (at the shower trailer)
• Showers open in Lovington

If you or someone you know needs warmth, food, or basic necessities today, please share this post and help get them connected.

📞 For additional help or resources, call 2-1-1.

12/29/2025

Grass Fire – Birch & Industrial 🚒

Lovington Fire Department requested mutual aid for a fast-moving grass fire in a residential area. The fire has been contained. Residents may notice the smell of smoke and visible smoke in the Lovington area.

Maljamar VFD and Knowles VFD are on scene assisting.

12/28/2025

Lea County has just been issued a from 11PM Tonight until 11PM Monday Night! ❄️

Light to occasionally moderate snow is expected. Total snow accumulations up to 2 inches with winds as high as 40
mph. 💨

Roads and especially bridges and overpasses will likely become slick and hazardous. ⚠️

Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact Monday morning and evening commutes. 🚨

12/27/2025

🚨 Grass Fire – Highway 206, Mile Marker 9

A small grass fire was reported earlier today near Highway 206 at Mile Marker 9. Lovington Fire Department and Maljamar Volunteer Fire Department responded quickly and successfully extinguished the fire.

The cause of the fire was determined to be a discarded cigarette. We remind the public to properly dispose of smoking materials, especially during dry conditions, to help prevent wildfires.

Thank you to our first responders for their swift action and continued dedication to keeping our community safe.

12/25/2025

UPDATE: 5:43; All lanes are now open.

Deputies report a crash on Hwy 18 MM 4. North and Southbound lanes are closed at this time. Please seek an alternative route, slow down and watch for any vehicles or emergency personnel. 🚨

12/24/2025

🚨 WEATHER ALERT: DENSE FOG ADVISORY 🚨

Good morning, Lovington! Please be advised that NWS Midland has issued a Dense Fog Advisory for our area. Visibility is significantly reduced this morning, and the advisory is expected to lift around 9:00 AM.

With many of you hitting the road for Holiday travel today, we want everyone to reach their destination safely. The highways are busier than usual, and this fog adds a dangerous layer to the morning commute.

🚗 Fog Safety Tips for Your Drive:

▪️Low Beams ONLY: Do not use high beams. They reflect off the water droplets in the fog and actually make it harder to see.

▪️Ditch the Cruise Control: You need full control of your vehicle to react to sudden stops.

▪️Increase Distance: Give yourself much more room than usual behind the car in front of you. Sudden stops are common in these conditions.

▪️Follow the Lines: Use the white line on the right shoulder as your guide rather than the center yellow line to avoid drifting into oncoming traffic.

▪️Wipers & Defrosters: Keep your windshield clear of moisture accumulation.

▪️If visibility drops to near zero, pull safely into a parking lot or far off the shoulder.

Please slow down and give yourself extra time this morning. Better to arrive a little late than not at all. Safe travels and Happy Holidays, Lovington!

12/23/2025

Lovington, NM: Fireworks vendors are now open in Lovington! As you prepare to celebrate the New Year, the Lovington Fire Department wants to ensure everyone stays safe and legal.

The Fire department has already responded to brush fires in relation to ignition from fireworks.

⚠️ Please be aware that our local vegetation is extremely dry right now. The dormant grass is brittle and can ignite instantly from a single stray spark. 🚫 DO NOT shoot fireworks near open fields, tall weeds, or vacant lots. A small spark can turn into a large fire in seconds.

🕰️ KNOW THE RULES: Municipal Code 8.20.055 Section C. Fireworks may generally be sold now, BUT they can only be legally discharged during the following window:

🗓️ START: December 31st at 7:00 AM
🗓️ END: January 1st at 1:00 AM

Discharging fireworks outside of these hours is a violation of city ordinance.

🔥 SAFETY TIPS FOR DRY CONDITIONS:
✅ Hose Ready: A bucket isn’t enough this year. Have a garden hose connected and ready to spray.
✅ Concrete Only: Light fireworks on paved driveways or streets, away from grass and buildings.
✅ Soak 'Em: Soak used fireworks in water overnight before throwing them in the trash.

Let’s ring in the New Year responsibly. Stay safe, Lovington! 🚒

12/22/2025

12/19/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fatal Crash Under Investigation at US 62/180 and WIPP Road

Lea County, NM- December 19, 2025- On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at approximately 5:13 pm, deputies with the Lea County Sheriff’s Office responded to a motor vehicle crash with injuries at the intersection of US Highway 62/180 and WIPP Road.

Upon arrival, deputies observed a red and white Kenworth semi-truck in the median facing northbound and a white Ford F-250 facing southeast on the eastbound side of the roadway.

Preliminary investigation indicates the Ford F-250 was traveling northbound on WIPP Road and failed to stop at the posted stop sign at the intersection of WIPP Road and US 62/180. The vehicle was subsequently struck by the Kenworth semi-truck, which was traveling eastbound on US 62/180.

The driver of the Ford F-250, identified as Alec Standiford, 34, of Carlsbad, New Mexico, sustained fatal injuries as a result of this crash.

The Lea County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Division is actively investigating this incident. The investigation remains ongoing, and no further information is available at this time. # # #

12/16/2025

LOAVES & FISHES FOOD PANTRY
A ministry of The Rock Church of Lovington

GRAND OPENING - December 17 @ 5:30PM

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
SHOP NEW ITEMS WEEKLY
WEDNESDAYS 5:30-6:30PM

Milk, bread, flour, noodles, meat, dairy, fresh produce, fruits & veggies, snacks, canned goods, baking essentials, and MORE!

12/15/2025

We had so much fun last year, we decided we had to do it again this year!

The Denton Building is having an Open House, December 17th, from 10 AM - 1 PM! Meet the the new Code Enforcement Staff and visit with the staff at the Lovington Municipal Court, the Lovington Fire Marshall, and the Lovington Chamber of Commerce!

Join us in celebrating the holiday season by watching Christmas movies, eating some delicious treats, and just sharing some laugh with us!

If you're curious about becoming a Chamber Member, swing by and get to know us at the Lovington Chamber!