The Balloons and Tunes Festival lifted off Friday morning in Artesia, with pilots Steve Mezzancello and Steve Wilson launching the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon and Empty Nest from Park Junior High School. Weather permitting, festivities continue Saturday at sunrise at Eagle Draw Park with live music, food trucks and a fire concert, followed by Sunday’s final launch.

Satellite data identified 166 methane “super emitter” events in Eddy and Lea counties between January 2025 and April 2026, but only 2% matched operator reports. The findings renew calls for expanded monitoring as federal methane safeguards face rollback. New Mexico officials are proposing stricter state rules, including third-party satellite data and a lower emissions threshold.

Artesia volleyball team defeats Lovington in straight sets on Thursday night at the Bulldog Pit.

Deb Haaland was the apparent winner in the race to become New Mexico’s next governor, according to unofficial results of the Nov. 3 midterm...

A new community mural along JJ Clarke Drive in Artesia celebrates the city’s history and everyday life. Artist Kirsten Mauritsen and Artesia Clean and Beautiful Director Linda Stevens completed the project Thursday morning after beginning work in July. The mural is the third community artwork installed along the drive, adding another public tribute to Artesia.

As Veterans Day approaches, Artesia honors veterans whose service continues beyond the uniform. Former soldiers, Marines, and airmen now serve as educators, leaders, entrepreneurs, coaches, ministers, and public servants. Their sacrifices—and those of their families—include visible and invisible wounds. The community is urged to move beyond words by listening, connecting, and supporting local veterans.

Artesia Public Library’s “Holiday Cards for the Troops” drive invites residents, businesses and organizations to send upbeat Christmas messages to military service members. Cards may be signed at the library or taken elsewhere and returned by Nov. 23. Librarian Wendy Kilpatrick will send them through United Soldiers and Sailors of America, continuing a drive that delivered more than 400 cards annually.

The Artesia volleyball team fell to Goddard in straight sets on Monday night at the Bulldog Pit.

No one knows exactly how many people have been killed in the Ukraine war, which has now lasted four years and eight months--longer than World War II in the Pacific, the American Civil War, or World War I. There is still no end in sight. Estimates of the human toll vary widely, since it is in the interest of both sides to exaggerate the losses of the enemy while under-reporting their own casualties.

Artesia boys and girls cross-country win the District 4-4A Meet on Friday.

In this Pastor Column, Pastor David Grousnick uses humorous stories, the Titanic, and Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins to urge readers to examine their lives. Because Christ’s return will be unexpected, earthly valuables and religious appearances cannot prepare us; repentance and readiness matter. Are you ready to meet Jesus with no unfinished business?

Bulldog football team is the No. 3 seed in the state tournament.