News Staff

The Artesia Downtown Lions Club recognized Mylz Aguirre, Mya Wilbanks, Lily Morgan and Jace Miles as its October Jr. Lions. The students demonstrate leadership through school organizations, clubs and community activities, while pursuing diverse interests including history, business, health sciences and mathematics. Each plans to attend college, with goals ranging from family medicine and biochemistry to business administration.

Drawing on Matthew 23, Pastor David Grousnick examines hypocrisy in Washington and among religious leaders who impose standards they avoid themselves. Contrasting political gotcha games with Jesus’ call to humility, honest leadership, and service, he shares stories of Albert Schweitzer and a humbled seminarian to emphasize living righteously without becoming self-righteous.

Cal Thomas argues that, despite President Trump’s personality and controversies, Republicans should be leading ahead of the 2026 elections based on claimed gains in household income, poverty, border enforcement, crime reduction, tax policy, deregulation, and domestic manufacturing. He contends Democrats would hinder that progress, while urging Trump to campaign less around himself and more around these results.

Southeast New Mexico College’s Alpha Rho Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa will host “Conserve, Preserve, and Restore: Water, the Key to Life” on November 5, 2026. The symposium will explore water quality, conservation, sustainability, and the future of Pecos River and Permian Basin resources through expert presentations, student research, and community discussion.

Artesia welcomes new businesses and organizations to the Chamber of Commerce. The Shop on 14th, located at 107 S. 14th Street, brings local vendors and entrepreneurs together under one roof, with room for services, events, and community gatherings. Central Valley and Penasco Soil & Water Conservation Districts support sustainable land stewardship through education, technical assistance, and conservation programs.

Eddy County commissioners are considering setting aside $15 million for water infrastructure projects, with municipalities, water cooperatives and other resource managers eligible to apply. Proposed work includes waterline replacements, fire hydrants and storage tanks. A potential priority is a $10 million La Huerta project replacing 5.1 miles of lines and 55 hydrants before road repairs.

Many New Mexico voters may know little about judges seeking retention in 2026, who run without opponents or campaign ads. The nonpartisan Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission surveys courtroom participants, reviews court data and interviews judges before issuing recommendations. This year, JPEC recommends retaining all 41 evaluated judges, including six serving the 5th Judicial District.

There is something wonderfully comforting about a crisp, golden pancake—and these Hatch Chile Cabbage Pancakes put a delicious Southwestern spin on a classic vegetable...

New Mexico State University’s Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring and Research Center has received a $22.1 million Department of Energy grant to continue independent environmental monitoring around the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant for five years. CEMRC tests air, water, soil, vegetation and human samples within 100 miles, helping verify WIPP’s safety and keep surrounding communities informed.

Artesia City Council will hold a public hearing before voting Nov. 10 on proposed ordinances regulating golf carts and recreational off-highway vehicles on city streets. The rules address licensing, permits, insurance, safety equipment, restraints, operating hours and age limits, with violations punishable by fines up to $250. If approved, they take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Women for a Better Carlsbad and Women for a Better Artesia joined as Women for a Better Eddy County to host “SHE: The American Dream” at Riverside Country Club. The Oct. 15 event encouraged voter participation, featured local civic updates and a keynote from Sen. Crystal Diamond Brantley, and spotlighted the Eddy County Fairgrounds and local FFA students.

Cal Thomas argues that voters’ frustration with both parties stems from relying too heavily on government and neglecting personal initiative. Citing the Wright brothers, Carnegie, Ford, Tubman and others, he contends that motivation and independent action achieved what government could not. He suggests practical choices to manage rising costs, warning that changing party majorities will not change outcomes.