A new nonprofit organization that focuses on skills training is coming to the area. According to a press release, Skillpoint Alliance will provide rapid training programs in electrical, HVAC and plumbing, among other skills, to communities in West Texas and Southeast New Mexico. This program is being supported through the Permian Strategic Partnership. Skillpoint Alliance participants are often returning to the workforce after they have been out of it for some time.
Citing a recent study that anticipated the Permian Basin will require 50,000 more workers by 2025, the program aims to address occupations expected to be in high demand. This includes jobs such as electricians, plumbers and pipefitters. We hope Skillpoint Alliance will work closely with our new Southeast New Mexico College in providing these needed programs to Carlsbad and Eddy County residents. For more information, please visit www.skillpointalliance.org.
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Congratulations to Carlsbad’s Albertsons Market, who was presented the “Business of the First Quarter” award through the City’s Beautification Committee. This recognition was provided due to the outstanding landscape efforts at the grocery store. Albertsons has also been an extreme supporter of this community when it comes to making donations for local events and activities. Special thanks to Store Manager David Beaty and Assistant Manager Jacob Puckett.
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Thank you as well to Devon Energy- Devon’s recent donation to the Carlsbad Police Department helped with the purchase of Syrene and Okus- the department’s two new K-9 units. These new drug detection dogs will help serve and protect the community. Our K-9 program has been excellent for Carlsbad.
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Sports highlights over this past weekend included Jake Fuentes capturing the state title in the 195-pound class and the Cavemen wrestling team finishing sixth overall. In swimming, Sophie Corder placed second in the girls 100 yard butterfly. Carlsbad’s boys and girls are competing in the district basketball tournament this week. Tennis also started this week – the Cavemen won their home tournament and the Cavegirls finished second.
We have also heard great things about Carlsbad’s success in the BPA state competition this past weekend, and will have more information on that soon.
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Yesterday, we mourned the passing of several outstanding members of the community. We’re also saddened to say that Robert V. Ortiz passed away on Saturday. Robert was a long-time teacher at Alta Vista Middle School who focused on special education and coaching. He helped coach in wrestling state championships as well as wide variety of youth sports. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway