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Republican gubernatorial nominee Gregg Hull says he would sign legislation limiting the duration of New Mexico governors’ emergency orders and requiring legislative oversight for extensions. The proposal follows pandemic-era restrictions and prior efforts by former Rep. Greg Nibert to impose 30- or 90-day limits. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s administration opposes the changes, citing potential emergency response delays.

Hermosa Elementary’s 30th annual Spirit Run is nearing its $40,000 fundraising goal, with nearly $32,000 collected by Oct. 16. Principal Kaci Whitmire has promised to dress as a princess and kiss a frog if students reach the target. Proceeds support school supplies, shirts, incentives, holiday activities, transportation and student rewards, with community groups helping celebrate.

Yarn United brings Artesia-area crafters of all skill levels together at the Artesia Public Library on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Members crochet afghans, blankets and worry worms, share skills and materials, and welcome knitters. The group fosters creativity, friendship and stress relief, while many participants donate their handmade creations to local causes.

Young athletes took center stage on the second day of XTERRA World Championship racing in Ruidoso.

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.

Sullivan Middaugh won the XTERRA World Championship Saturday to earn his first full-triathlon world title and a $20,000 prize.

France’s Alizee Paties captured her first XTERRA World Championship, validating her No. 2 world ranking and claiming her fifth triathlon gold of the year.

R2Doso Con returns to the Ruidoso Convention Center Oct. 17-18 for its second year, bringing comics, sci-fi, anime, gaming, cosplay and celebrity guests to the mountain community. Fans can see the Batmobile, Mystery Machine and Back to the Future DeLorean, meet Star Wars talent, enter contests and tournaments, and support an event designed to boost local tourism.

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.

Stroll through the trail to see the events and other ways for non-competitors to get the most out of XTERRA week, with parking advice and an event overview.

Democratic Rep. Gabe Vasquez campaigned across conservative southeastern New Mexico seeking a third term in Congress, emphasizing stronger safety oversight at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and more balanced management of public lands beyond oil and gas. He criticized Republican challenger Greg Cunningham as a Trump loyalist, while Cunningham accused Vasquez of undermining public safety and police support.

Ruidoso hosts the XTERRA World Championships this weekend, bringing in more than 700 athletes from around the world.