Many Carlsbad residents today are mourning the loss of devoted community member Wanda Welch, who passed away on Wednesday. Wanda had been an extremely active Carlsbad resident for many decades. She and her great friend, Deanna Taylor, led Carlsbad’s beautification committee for many years. They were also instrumental in the fundraising effort to create the very popular Friendship Park, which is a playground for children with disabilities. Wanda was also a very successful realtor who was also highly involved in the local campaign process.
On Wanda’s social media page, many current and former Carlsbad residents commented about how welcome she made them feel when they first moved to town. Family members also shared stories of her deep faith and talked about how she was an inspiration to them throughout her struggle with illness. Wanda loved Carlsbad, and we are very appreciative of her dedication to seeing this community improve. We know there will be many projects to honor Wanda’s memory planned in Carlsbad.
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Devon Energy is looking for a new “Hometown Hero.” The program recognizes local emergency responders for their commitment to keeping our community safe.
Devon Hometown Heroes are named quarterly, and nominations can be submitted to www.devonenergy.com/hometownheroes. All nominees must serve in an emergency response role in either Eddy, Lea or Chavez County, New Mexico. Devon says it knows that there are many heroic acts that happen in the community, and it wants to recognize emergency responders who go beyond the call of duty.
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Here’s another college athlete update: Former Carlsbad standout Trystan Rogers is wrestling for the Jamestown Jimmies. Earlier this week, Jamestown lost six of nine contested matches on the way to a 34-12 loss to Dakota Wesleyan University. Rogers was one of the highlights for Jamestown, as he won a 10-1 major decision.
Rogers signed his letter of intent to wrestle with the North Dakota University in 2021, after winning the district championship and making it all the way to the Class 5A 182-pound championship. He’s continuing a long legacy of outstanding Carlsbad wrestlers.
Speaking of Carlsbad standouts, Carlsbad’s Terrance Orgain has become something of an online celebrity himself for a half-court shot he made during a recent basketball game. Orgain now helps coach several sports at Carlsbad High School. The crowd erupted in applause after he made the successful backwards shot. It isn’t Orgain’s first bout with being a celebrity – he’s also a Special Olympics World Champion and member of the Carlsbad High School Athletics Hall of Fame.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway