SENMC’s Taste of Culture Offers Global Foods and Community Celebration

Southeast New Mexico College will host its annual Taste of Culture from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at 1500 University Drive in Carlsbad. The free public event invites community members to sample foods from around the world, learn about cultural traditions, and celebrate Eddy County’s diversity. For information, call 575-234-9200.

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A 13-year-old Highland Middle School student accused of shooting and stabbing special education teacher Kelly Matthews will remain in custody, following a Fifth Judicial District Court ruling. RT faces charges including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, weapons violations, evidence tampering and resisting arrest. Matthews survived and continues recovering in a Lubbock hospital as investigators work to determine a motive.

Scenes from the Artesia football game against the Chaparral Lobos

Scenes from the Bulldogs 51-0 over Chaparral on Friday night.

13-Year-Old Held in Custody After Alleged Shooting of Hobbs Teacher

A 13-year-old Highland Middle School student accused of shooting and stabbing special education teacher Kelly Matthews will remain in custody, following a Fifth Judicial District Court ruling. RT faces charges including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, weapons violations, evidence tampering and resisting arrest. Matthews survived and continues recovering in a Lubbock hospital as investigators work to determine a motive.

$10M in Federal Funds Launch U.S. 285 Repairs Near WIPP

A $10 million federal investment is funding repairs to U.S. Highway 285 near New Mexico’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. The New Mexico Department of Transportation and Department of Energy began work Oct. 1, with the state given one year to spend the funds. Officials say annual support is needed to maintain WIPP’s aging transportation routes.
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New Mexico’s unpaid Legislature may benefit those with flexible careers, professional connections, or institutional backing while limiting who can afford to serve. As voters consider Constitutional Amendment 4, the debate also highlights lawmakers’ conflicts of interest, weak recusal rules, and the need for broader reforms, including stronger ethics standards and longer legislative sessions.

Paul Gessing: New Mexico Amendment 4: Legislative Pay Raise Is No Reform

New Mexico’s Amendment 4 would give legislators nearly $68,000 in annual pay, alongside existing per diem and generous pension benefits. The Rio Grande Foundation argues the proposal would reward career politicians without improving governance, calling instead for pension elimination, term limits, and restrictions on public employees serving in the Legislature.

Valerie Espinoza: New Mexico’s PRC Must Keep Its Doors Open to Public Participation

Former New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioner Valerie Espinoza argues that the Public Regulation Commission must preserve robust public participation in utility cases. She warns that new rules limiting intervention, discovery, testimony and cross-examination could weaken oversight of monopoly utilities, affecting rates and long-term energy decisions. Espinoza calls for fairness, justice and broader community access over administrative convenience.

Obituaries

Warren Louis (W.L.) Gray passed away quietly at his home in Kyle, TX on June 28, 2026 at the age of 91.

Dub married his high school sweetheart, Dewana Lou Berry, one week after her graduation in 1955.

Vega M. Nilsson

Vega M. Nilsson, a long-time resident of Artesia, New Mexico passed away at home on December 29, 2025, at the age of 87. Vega was born in Brooklyn, New York to Fredrik and Hilda Nilsson,...

Garrett Romine

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Garrett Walter Romine, who was taken from us far too soon.  Although his time with us was brief, his impact on everyone who...

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Sherry Robinson: Pay New Mexico Legislators and Demand Stronger Ethics Rules

New Mexico’s unpaid Legislature may benefit those with flexible careers, professional connections, or institutional backing while limiting who can afford to serve. As voters consider Constitutional Amendment 4, the debate also highlights lawmakers’ conflicts of interest, weak recusal rules, and the need for broader reforms, including stronger ethics standards and longer legislative sessions.

From Cameroon to Roswell, Debrice Ashung Becomes Four-Sport Star

After moving 6,830 miles from Cameroon to Roswell, sophomore Debrice Ashung has become a standout four-sport varsity athlete. The soccer forward leads New Mexico with 29 goals during Roswell’s 11-1 season while also competing in basketball, track and football. His journey reflects resilience, gratitude and a commitment to encouraging teammates on and off the field.

Scenes from the Artesia football game against the Chaparral Lobos

Scenes from the Bulldogs 51-0 over Chaparral on Friday night.

13-Year-Old Held in Custody After Alleged Shooting of Hobbs Teacher

A 13-year-old Highland Middle School student accused of shooting and stabbing special education teacher Kelly Matthews will remain in custody, following a Fifth Judicial District Court ruling. RT faces charges including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, weapons violations, evidence tampering and resisting arrest. Matthews survived and continues recovering in a Lubbock hospital as investigators work to determine a motive.

$10M in Federal Funds Launch U.S. 285 Repairs Near WIPP

A $10 million federal investment is funding repairs to U.S. Highway 285 near New Mexico’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. The New Mexico Department of Transportation and Department of Energy began work Oct. 1, with the state given one year to spend the funds. Officials say annual support is needed to maintain WIPP’s aging transportation routes.

SENMC’s Taste of Culture Offers Global Foods and Community Celebration

Southeast New Mexico College will host its annual Taste of Culture from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at 1500 University Drive in Carlsbad. The free public event invites community members to sample foods from around the world, learn about cultural traditions, and celebrate Eddy County’s diversity. For information, call 575-234-9200.

The Artesia Bulldogs defeat the Chaparral Lobos 51-0 in district play

Artesia Bullldogs win 51-0 over the Chaparral Lobos.

Red Dirt Black Gold Festival Draws Crowds Despite September Heat

About 2,000 people attended Artesia’s 11th annual Red Dirt Black Gold Festival despite September temperatures in the 90s. The two-night downtown event featured live music, food, drinks and vendors, with Downshift Brewing serving more than 1,800 beers. Organizers called the festival a success after moving it to Quay Avenue to improve safety and downtown foot traffic.

Culinary Confidential: Classic Strawberry Shortcake with Homemade Biscuits and Whipped Cream

This Heavenly Strawberry Shortcake layers golden homemade biscuits with strawberries macerated in sugar, vanilla, and lemon, plus billowy whipped cream. Bruce Lesman’s nostalgic summer dessert serves six and comes together with simple ingredients and careful technique. Assemble the shortcakes while warm so the fragrant berry syrup soaks into the biscuits, then serve immediately with a whole strawberry garnish.

Marker urges southeastern New Mexico Republicans to turn out in November

New Mexico Republican U.S. Senate candidate Larry Marker is urging voters in conservative southeastern counties to turn out in November, saying strong support in Chaves, Eddy and Lea counties could offset Democratic advantages in the north. Despite long odds, limited fundraising and Sen. Ben Ray Lujan’s strong position, Marker cites shifting registration and coordinated GOP campaigning.

Los Alamos Waste Shipments to WIPP Rise 91% as Permit Debate Continues

Los Alamos National Laboratory sent 82 shipments of legacy transuranic waste to New Mexico’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in fiscal 2026, a 91% increase over the previous year. The shipments totaled 370 cubic meters. The increase comes as New Mexico seeks permit changes requiring WIPP to prioritize more in-state waste, while critics question continued shipments from other states.