Good morning, Las Cruces.

A Big Brothers Big Sisters match from 2018 has grown into an eight-year friendship as Albert Casillas mentors Organ Mountain senior Caleb Rey in sports and life, attending games and helping with college and soccer plans.

Caleb hopes to pursue soccer and study in Leeds, England, a move that remains under consideration.

The Las Cruces Sun-News is asking residents to vote now on which local small business will be featured next in its weekly small-business profile, and you can cast your choice in the poll or email suggestions to [email protected].

Organ Mountain High School's marching band (nearly 200 students) won the grand championship at the Zia Marching Fiesta and finished runner-up in Class 5A at the state competition at Rio Rancho High School, and director Shawn Silva says months of rehearsals teach perseverance and leadership as well as music.

Voters will decide Nov.

3 on a $26 million bond to add about 20,000 sqft to Thomas Branigan Memorial Library (expanding makerspaces, children's space, study rooms, a podcast studio, café and demonstration kitchen). If approved, bonds would sell in March 2027 and construction could begin in May or June 2027 with the library vacating during an 18 to 24 month renovation and a bookmobile due Dec. 2027.