Drilling is good news for Carlsbad's economy

Eddy County is first in the nation in in drilling activity, according to data provided by the Carlsbad Department of Development. The report indicates that Eddy County currently has 53 active drilling rigs- the most for any county in the database. Lea County is second with 47. In Texas, Midland County is third with 44 rigs and Reeves County is fourth with 33.

In fact, the active rig count within a 60-mile radius of Carlsbad is up to 168 rigs this month, as compared to 134 in April and a low of 66 in September of 2020.   This is great news for our economy, for the state’s economy, and for families who are looking for high paying jobs and opportunities.

Carlsbad has a new bakery. Leighs’ Bakery is now open at 2302 W. Church St. This is the property next to Carlsbad Small Engine, and the bakery also had a display at CavernFest. According to the business Facebook page, Leighs’ has been offering free molasses cookies and coffee this week. Remaining hours this week are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, 3-8 p.m. Friday, 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and then 3-8 p.m. Saturday. Visit the bakery’s Facebook page for future hours.  We know a lot of work went into restoring this building and opening this local business – please show your support. Carlsbad Small Engine owner Harold Klaus has also been working very hard to grow this area.

We will be posting our development report next week, and there are a number of other local businesses and chains coming in to the Carlsbad area.

Carlsbad will be celebrating Juneteenth on Saturday. The Eddy County Chapter of the NAACP will hold a short ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Carlsbad Museum. A film and discussion will follow. June 19, also known as Juneteenth, is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Even though President Lincoln announced the end of slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, news did not reach certain areas until June 19, 1865. Thank you to Judge Collis Johnson, Dr. Andrew Nwanne and Grace Nwanne for all of their hard work with the NAACP, which also provides scholarships.

In addition, the Ebony Car Club is planning a community event at Troy Young Park beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday in celebration of Juneteenth. Troy Young Park is located at 2207 San Jose Boulevard, and the Ebony Car Club has always done a great job helping take care of the park.