Michael Smith

Republican gubernatorial candidate Gregg Hull pledged to prioritize child welfare and improve transparency at New Mexico’s Children, Youth and Families Department during an Artesia campaign stop. His proposals include rebuilding trust with foster parents, nonprofits and investigators, and ensuring stable placements for children. Democrat Deb Haaland has proposed replacing CYFD with an independent commission.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Gregg Hull met with community members and government leaders during a 90-minute gathering at the Artesia Chamber of Commerce.

Artesia’s annual Art in the Park brought scores of visitors to Central Park Friday and Saturday for a celebration of local arts and culture. Sponsored by the Artesia Arts Council, the event featured food trucks, live music, arts and crafts vendors, face painting, the Artesia High School band and a Runyan Ranches petting zoo.

Artesia residents can showcase their Halloween creativity in the Artesia Public Library’s Fall/Halloween Decoration Contest. Entries will be accepted at the library, 205 W. Quay Ave., from Oct. 17 through Oct. 22. Public judging begins Oct. 24 and continues through Halloween on Oct. 31. Entry details are available at the library’s front desk.

Artesia City Council selected Pete Quinones as the city’s permanent police chief during a special meeting Sept. 29. Quinones had served as interim chief after Kirk Roberts announced his retirement in July. An Artesia native, Quinones joined the department in 2005 and has led patrol, criminal investigations and administrative divisions during his career.

Artesia City Council delayed voting on proposed golf cart and recreational OHV street regulations after residents questioned safety equipment requirements and age limits, including an 18-year-old minimum for drivers and 12 for passengers. Council will seek further input before a potential November vote. Members also approved rezoning three lots near 13th Street and Hermosa Drive for apartments.

Pete Quinones has been named permanent chief of the Artesia Police Department after serving as interim chief since July. He succeeds Kirk Roberts, who retired three months ago. Mayor Jeff Youtsey recommended Quinones following interviews with two applicants, and the City Council approved the decision during a closed session. Further details will follow.

Artesia’s 11th annual Red Dirt Black Gold Festival opened Friday downtown with a break in the weather, live music from Fuzion Nortena, food, and beverages for adults 21 and over. Crowds gathered early to enjoy the festivities, which continue Saturday with country music night.

Artesia received 4.4 inches of rain over three days, bringing 2026 precipitation at the NMSU Agricultural Sciences Center to 11.6 inches. Eddy County remains under a flash flood watch through Saturday night as heavy rain continues across southeastern New Mexico. Despite the weather, the Red Dirt Black Gold Festival is still scheduled downtown Friday and Saturday, with VIP tickets available online.

The Artesia City Council delayed voting on proposed golf cart and recreational off-highway vehicle ordinances after residents questioned safety requirements and age limits, including an 18-year-old minimum for drivers and 12 for passengers. Councilors will continue discussions before a potential November vote. They also approved rezoning three lots near 13th Street and Hermosa Drive for apartments.

The Red Dirt Black Gold Festival returns to downtown Artesia with two days of live music, food trucks, vendors, craft beer and family activities. Friday features New Mexico Heritage Night, while Saturday brings country performers, a kids’ zone, oil field food cook-off and cornhole tournament. Tickets range from free youth admission to $50 VIP access.

Rain Thursday did not dampen Artesia residents’ spirits as students, staff, community leaders and Mayor Jeff Youtsey joined a 30-minute indoor walk at Zia Intermediate School.